'Peel' is a term used in poker to refer to a situation where a player decides to call a bet with a drawing hand, intending to see the next card in hopes of improving their hand.

What is a Peel in Poker?

A 'Peel' in poker refers to a situation where a player decides to call a bet with a drawing hand, intending to see the next card in hopes of improving their hand. This term is commonly used across various poker variants, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud.

For example, if a player has four cards of the same suit and needs one more for a flush, they might decide to 'Peel' and call a bet to see the next card. Peeling is typically a passive strategy. Raising on a draw can be more of a beneficial play, as it effectively turns your hand into a bluff where you have the chance to take down the pot there and then. Be careful, though, if the board is wet or if your opponent indicates strength on previous betting rounds, raising might just simply inflate the pot. In this instance, if you only have a draw, you're a big underdog and raising into strength will be a net-negative play. However, if your opponent is weak themselves, raising could push them off the hand.

Example of "Peel"

For instance, a player might 'Peel' if they have an open-ended straight draw and want to see the next card, hoping to complete their straight.

In another scenario, a player might 'Peel' with a flush draw, calling a bet to see the next card in hopes of hitting their flush.

• "I decided to Peel and see the next card, hoping to complete my straight."
• "He made a Peel with a flush draw, hoping to hit his flush on the next card."
• "She made a Peel with a drawing hand, not wanting to fold just yet."

Is it a good strategy to Peel in poker?

Peeling in poker can be a good strategy in certain situations. It allows you to see the next card when you have a drawing hand, potentially improving your hand. However, it's important to consider the size of the bet, the size of the pot, and the strength of your draw before deciding to Peel.

What should I consider before deciding to Peel?

Before deciding to Peel, you should consider the strength of your drawing hand, the size of the bet you need to call, the size of the pot, and the actions of the other players.

What's the difference between a Peel and a call?

The difference between a Peel and a call is that a Peel specifically refers to a call made with a drawing hand, intending to see the next card in hopes of improving the hand.

How should I respond if a player makes a Peel?

How you should respond to a Peel depends on various factors, including the strength of your hand, the actions of the other players, and your position at the table. You might decide to bet, raise, or fold, depending on the situation.