The "river" in poker refers to the last community card dealt in flop games or the final card dealt in a stud game. The river is the final opportunity for players to improve their hands or bluff their opponents.

What is a River in Poker?

In poker, the "river" refers to the fifth and final community card dealt in certain poker games like Texas hold'em and Omaha. The river is the last card to be dealt and so starts the last round of action available to players before the showdown.

Understanding the River

The river is a critical stage in poker as it's the last chance for players to decide their betting strategy based on the strength of their final hand. After the River card is dealt, the final round of betting takes place, followed by the showdown where players reveal their hands.

Playing the River

When the river card is dealt, players need to evaluate their hand strength and the potential hands of their opponents. This is also a crucial time for bluffing or making big bets if you have a strong hand.

Example of "River"

For instance, if you're playing a hand of Texas Hold'em and the community cards are A♠K♠J♥4♣10♣, the 10♣ would be the River card.

• "Despite having a weak hand, the river card gave him a flush, winning him the pot."
• "She decided to make a large bet after the river card was dealt, successfully bluffing her opponents."
• "The river card failed to improve his hand, but he decided to bluff and made a large bet."

River in Poker FAQs

What is the river in poker?

The river in poker refers to the fifth and final community card dealt in certain poker games like Texas hold'em and Omaha (or the final card of a stud hand).

How important is the River card?

The river card is critical as it's the last opportunity for players to improve their hand or decide their final betting strategy. After the river card is dealt, the final round of betting takes place. It is followed by the showdown where players reveal their hands.

Can the river card change the game?

Yes, the river card can significantly change the game. It can turn a losing hand into a winning one, or vice versa. It's also the last chance for players to bluff or make strategic bets.

What happens after the river card is dealt?

After the river card is dealt, the final round of betting takes place. This is followed by the showdown, where remaining players reveal their hands and the winner is determined.

Can I fold after the river card is dealt?

Yes, a player can choose to fold after the river card is dealt if they believe their hand is not strong enough to win.