What Does Make Mean in Poker?
In poker, “Make” refers to the act of completing a particular hand combination or achieving a specific goal during gameplay, such as making a straight or flush.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Make
Players might use the term “make” during a hand when discussing whether they have made a particular hand, for instance, “I made the flush on the river.” It’s commonly mentioned in the context of drawing hands or achieving desired outcomes.
In-Game Example
You have 87 and the board reads 56K92. On the turn, you say “I just need one more spade to make my flush,” and on the river, you hit the 9, so you’ve “made” your flush.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Focus on pot odds and implied odds when deciding to draw for a hand you want to make.
- Common Mistake: Chasing draws without proper odds, hoping to “make” a hand, can be costly over time.
- Pro Tips: Consider the texture of the board and opponents’ tendencies when deciding to draw to make a hand. In live play, observe physical tells that might indicate opponents’ strength.
Differences Playing Over the Table vs Online
In live poker, players may rely on physical tells or betting patterns to decide if they should try to make a hand. Online, players focus more on timing and statistical analysis due to the absence of physical interaction.
Alternative Names
Sometimes “complete” is used in place of “make,” particularly when discussing draws (e.g., “complete the straight”).
FAQs
- Q: What does it mean to “make a hand” in poker?
A: It means successfully forming a specific hand combination, such as a straight or flush, during the play. - Q: Is “making a hand” purely based on luck?
A: While there is an element of luck, skilled players use strategy related to odds and opponent tendencies to decide when to draw for a hand.
