A whale in poker refers to a player who is less skilled, plays a loose-aggressive or a loose-passive style, and frequently loses big. They are usually loose players who like to gamble and therefore lose large sums when they play.

What is a Whale?

In poker, whales are players who are usually less skilled than the other players in the games they play. They are usually known for potentially losing big sums of money. Whales are often highly sought after in poker games, as they can significantly contribute to the pot and other players can benefit from them being in the game.

Playing Against Whales

Playing against whales is profitable in the long term, as they are usually one of the worst players in the games they play.

It's important to play carefully against them as their large bets can also pose a risk. Patience, strategic play, and bankroll considerations are key when playing against whales.

Considerations When Playing Against Whales

When playing against Whales, it's important to consider their playing style and adjust your strategy accordingly. They often play many hands and make large bets, so patience, disciplined play, and a good understanding of poker strategy can be beneficial. You should also think about whether you are bankrolled to in what is likely to be a highly-volatile game.

Example of "Whale"

A player who consistently makes large bets and plays many hands, regardless of their strength, can be considered a whale. Other players at the table might aim to play hands against this player in hopes of winning large pots.

• "The whale at the table was playing almost every hand and making large bets, regardless of the strength of his cards."
• "She managed to win a large pot after the whale at the table made a big bet with a weak hand."
• "Having a whale at your poker table can make the game more interesting and potentially more profitable."

Is being a whale in poker a bad thing?

Being a Whale in poker can often lead to losing large amounts of money due to loose and reckless play. However, some players may enjoy the thrill of playing many hands and making large bets.

How can I identify a whale at my poker table?

Whales can often be identified by their loose playing style, frequent large bets, and tendency to play a high number of hands, regardless of their strength.

How can I adjust my strategy when playing against a whale?

When playing against a Whale, patience and disciplined play are key. It can often be profitable to wait for a strong hand and then play it aggressively against a Whale.

Can whales be skilled poker players?

While it's possible for a whale to be a skilled poker player, the term usually requires them to be playing against mostly better players.

Do whales only exist in high-stakes games?

No, whales can be found at all levels of stakes. The defining characteristic of a whale is their loose playing style and tendency to make and lose large bets, not the specific stakes they play.