SMOOTH CALL Meaning and
Definition
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Smooth Call:
A smooth call is a term used in the realm of poker to describe a betting action in which a player opts to call a bet with a strong hand, rather than raising or folding. It is a strategy employed to deceive opponents and manipulate the betting pattern. When a player makes a smooth call, they intentionally under-represent the strength of their hand, appearing weak to lure opponents into betting more aggressively.
By employing a smooth call, players aim to extract additional chips from their opponents in later betting rounds. This strategy is particularly effective against aggressive opponents who tend to raise frequently, as it allows the smooth caller to trap them by disguising their strong hand.
Furthermore, a smooth call can also be used to avoid scaring off weaker opponents, who might fold if faced with a large raise. Instead, the smooth call keeps them in the hand, allowing the smooth caller to continue extracting chips with their superior hand.
However, executing smooth calls carries a level of risk. It requires the player to accurately read their opponents' hand strength and adjust their betting pattern accordingly. If opponents catch on to the smooth caller's strategy, they may become more cautious and alter their bets accordingly, potentially mitigating the effectiveness of the smooth call.
In summary, a smooth call is a strategic move in poker where a player chooses to call a bet rather than raise or fold, in order to mislead opponents about the strength of their hand and potentially extract more chips in later betting rounds.
Etymology of SMOOTH CALL
The term "smooth call" is derived from the combination of two distinct poker terms: "smooth" and "call".
First, "smooth" in poker refers to a player executing a play in a slick, skillful, or deceptive manner. It implies that the player is able to make a move while concealing their true intentions or the strength of their hand. It can also suggest that the player is trying to act nonchalantly or without arousing suspicion.
Second, a "call" in poker simply means to match the current bet that has been placed by another player. It signifies that the player wants to continue playing the hand without raising the bet.
When these two terms are combined, a "smooth call" refers to a poker move where a player makes a call in a sly or deceptive manner, aiming to control the pot size, mislead opponents into thinking they have a weaker hand, or set up for a later move.
