A donkey is an unskilled poker player who makes poor decisions and plays hands that experienced players would typically fold.
In poker, the term donkey is used to describe a player who consistently makes poor decisions and lacks the skill or strategy necessary to perform well in the game. Often shortened to “donk”, this label is typically applied to a player who stubbornly clings to bad hands, makes reckless bets, or calls raises without understanding the odds or the strength of their opponent’s cards.
Characteristics of a Donkey Player
- Loose playstyle: Donkeys often play too many hands, including weak ones like 9 2 , and fail to fold even when facing strong raises.
- Frequent calling: They tend to call bets rather than raise or fold, failing to adjust their strategy based on the strength of their hand or their position at the table.
- Over-aggressive moves: A common trait is making large, ill-advised bets or going all-in with subpar hands, which can result in significant losses.
- Ignoring position: They often raise or bet from poor positions without considering the strategic advantages of acting later in the round.
Dealing with Donkeys
Experienced players often exploit donkeys by playing tight-aggressive poker, capitalizing on the weak decisions and unpredictable plays of a donkey. This strategy involves betting strong hands heavily while avoiding large risks with marginal ones, as donkeys can sometimes get lucky on later streets. Patience and discipline are crucial when playing against these types of players.
Donkey vs. Donk Bet
It’s important not to confuse a donkey with a donk bet. While the term “donk” refers to a bad player, a “donk bet” is a strategic play where a player bets into the pre-flop aggressor from an early position after the flop, which can actually be part of advanced tactics when done correctly.
