In poker, a "crying call" is a term used to describe a situation where a player makes a call while believing they are likely to lose. It's a term commonly used in both live and online poker games, across all game types including cash games and tournaments.

What is a Crying Call in Poker?

A crying call in poker is a term that refers to a reluctant call made by a player who believes they are likely to lose the hand, but feels compelled to call due to the size of the pot or the betting action.

Making a crying call can be a part of poker strategy, but it often indicates a difficult or uncomfortable decision for the player. It's a term that's used across different poker variants, in both online and live settings, and in both tournaments and cash games.

When to Make a Crying Call in Poker

A crying call in poker is typically made when the pot odds justify calling a bet, even though the player believes they are likely to lose. This situation often arises when the pot is large and the cost of the call is relatively small.

However, making a crying call is generally not an ideal situation. It indicates that the player is in a tough spot, and is unsure about the strength of their hand compared to their opponents'. Understanding when to make a crying call and when to fold can be an important part of poker strategy and decision-making.

Example of "Crying Call"

An example of a crying call could be in a game of Texas Hold'em where you're holding a low pair and your opponent makes a large bet on the river. You're not confident in the strength of your hand, but the size of the pot makes it hard for you to fold. With reluctance, you decide to make a "crying call".

• "I wasn't sure if my pair was good, but the pot was so big that I had to make a crying call."
• "He made a crying call with his low pair and ended up losing to a straight."
• "She didn't seem confident when she called my bet, it looked like a crying call."

Is making a crying call a good strategy in poker?

While making a crying call is sometimes the correct decision based on pot odds, it's generally not a situation you want to be in. It often indicates that you're not confident in your hand and are calling a bet more out of hope than conviction.

What's the difference between a crying call and a normal call?

A crying call is a term used to describe a reluctant call made by a player who thinks they are likely to lose, while a normal call is made when a player matches the current bet without any particular emotional connotation.

Can making a crying call be a sign of a weak player?

Not necessarily. Even experienced players can find themselves making a crying call in certain situations. However, frequently making crying calls could indicate that a player is not making the best decisions.

Can I bluff a player into making a crying call?

Yes, a common poker strategy is to make large bets to put pressure on your opponents and force them into making difficult decisions, like a crying call.

How can I avoid making a crying call in poker?

The best way to avoid making a crying call is to make good decisions earlier in the hand. By accurately assessing the strength of your hand and the potential hands of your opponents, you can make more informed decisions about when to call, bet, or fold.