What Does Stay Mean in Poker?
In poker, ‘Stay’ refers to a player’s decision to remain in the current hand without making any additional bets or actions. This is typically possible in games where checking is allowed, allowing the player to keep their cards and wait for the next round.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term ‘Stay’
Players might use the term ‘Stay’ during a round of poker when they choose not to fold, bet, or raise, especially when the option to check is available.
In-Game Example
Imagine you’re in a hand of Texas Hold’em and the action comes to you after the flop. You have the option to bet, but instead, you decide to stay by checking, passing the action to the next player without adding more to the pot.
Strategy / Tips
Best Practice: Use ‘Stay’ strategically when you have a marginal hand and want to see more community cards without risking additional chips.
Common Mistake: Staying too often with weak hands, hoping to improve, can lead to chip loss over time.
Pro Tips: In live games, maintaining a neutral demeanor when you stay can prevent giving away tells; online, use this as a tool to control the pot size.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online
In live play, the decision to stay can be influenced by physical tells and table dynamics, whereas online, it’s more about timing and pot odds.
Alternative Names
No widely recognized alternative names or slang for ‘Stay’ in poker.
FAQs
Q: Is staying the same as checking?
A: Yes, in many poker games, staying is synonymous with checking, meaning you remain in the hand without betting.
