Some players still don’t know what does river mean in poker. Some say, it is because card cheats on the old Mississippi riverboats were thrown into the river after being revealed at the end of the hand. Others say, it is because once you have crossed the river, then you will never turn back again.
Whatever the fact of the matter, the truth remains that the river has the power to consider the result of a hand of life or types of poker online. Moreover, the river can reverse a player’s luck, snatching victory from defeat or vice versa.
What Does River Mean in Poker Actually?
For those of you who are curious about what does river mean in poker, it is the name given to the final betting round in most poker variations. This is importantly the meaning of river in poker.
For instance, a betting round in Texas Holdem and Omaha takes place in which players raise, call, or fold, depending on the strength of their cards and the actions. Soon after, the dealer will burn a card and will lay out 3 community cards on the table. This is called a flop in poker.
Another betting round will take place, after which the dealer burns another card and turn in poker over the 4th community card, which is called the turn or fourth street. Moreover, there is a third betting round, and the dealer will burn another card and show the fifth and final community card, which is the river.
This is the card that can create or break your hand and decide which player comes out on top at showdown.
The Origin of River Poker Term
After knowing what does river mean in poker, let’s take a look at the origin of this term. This is actually a unique name to come across. The statement adds to the river’s meaning as this shows its significance. Some theories and hypotheses are very crucial to its meaning.
One popular hypothesis is that the river originated in the 1800s from Mississippi riverboats on which poker was played at that time. The cheaters would also intentionally deal with a final group card that would increase their hand.
If captured, they would always be thrown into the water, giving their name to the river in a poker game. This theory and hypothesis will help us figure out the origin of the term and why people call it “river”. We bet you understand more what does river mean in poker.
The Drama of River in Poker
Read any books of what does river mean in poker, and the drama of the river is sure to feature at some point. The reason behind it, the river has so much power is that it is the last unknown factor in the hand. If you don’t link with the flop, there will always be the chance of increasing your hand on the turn.
If the turn doesn’t go so well, you may find redemption of fifth street. However, when the river comes, all cards are on the table, and chance has no further role to play. This is when poker can an as intense as casino table games like roulette and poker. However, it is not the moment of fact just yet. You still need to play the river.
How to Play River in Poker
As you know what does river mean in poker, it is also important to know how to play it. Most times, you will be playing heads up (or one-on-one) when you make it to the river at all. You will be in one of 3 basic situations: you think you have the best hand, or you think you have the worst hand, or you are not sure.
How to play it depends on multiple factors, including your read on your opponent, your hand strength, and whether you have position over your opponent.
1. In Position
To give you a detailed idea about what does river mean in poker, playing in position simply means that your opponent needs to act before you. The advantage is that you will get to see how your opponent will react to the river before you make your decisions.
If you are in position and you are sure to have the best hand, the strategy should be to get as much money from the opponent as you can. You can bet and raise big to increase the pot. Then, if you are sure your hands are the words and your opponent bets, it is commonly time to fold.
2. Out of Position
Though you know what does river mean in poker, still wondering how to maximize your winnings if you have the strongest hand but you are out of position? Well, make a good bet and hope your opponent calls. If they are unsure of their hand, they will not likely bet.
If you believe they missed a draw and are weak-handed as an outcome, you can check with them, hoping they will put some money in the pot with bluff-raise. It is better than just forcing them to fold with a bet of yours.
If you are out of position and have the worst hand, it is common to check and fold if your opponent bets. Bluffing will be a good idea. Not sure with your hand? Out of position on the river in poker, the only thing you can do is not to bet out.
The hands that are against you will call, and hands that you are beating will not call, then you will lose either way. Rather, you can check the opponent and see if they react. If they bet back into you, it is a good time to call their bluff or fold. It is easy to figure out what does river mean in poker, isn’t it?
Conclusion
The best poker book contains an explanation about what does river mean in poker. However, it based your decision on the strength or weakness of your hand, your perception of the opponent’s hand and possible, and what is at stake.
You can bet on the river when you can’t force your opponents into a difficult situation likely to make them fold their hand. In addition, bet on the river when you have the nuts or are the best hand. You can make a value bet or reraise your opponent to make them pay money to see your better hand.
