Updated on May 21, 2025
When you overhear conversations about poker, it might seem like a completely foreign language. You may find yourself needing a poker dictionary to understand terms such as 'barrel poker' and 'barrelling poker.'
Phrases such as 'I 3-bet from the cutoff light,' 'He pursued me with the naked Ace of hearts,' or 'I double-barrelled on the turn' may sound bizarre in everyday conversation, yet they are completely normal within the context of poker.
This article will delve into the concept of barrel poker and barrelling poker — explaining what it means to barrel in poker and how to effectively leverage this tactic for your own benefit in gameplay.
Successful poker players are well-versed in the art of barrelling. At high-stakes tables, this method becomes a fundamental aspect of play—it's not something you can afford to ignore! Being able to identify and utilize this technique is essential.
Understanding Barrel Poker and Barrelling Poker
Poker terminology often draws inspiration from military jargon. Terms like 'barrel poker' and 'barrelling poker' are rooted in battleground references.
A shotgun may feature a double-barrel or even a triple-barrel configuration. In a similar vein, making bets in poker can be described as 'firing' or 'firing bullets.'
A straight draw from the inside is commonly referred to as a 'gutshot.' The very first position at the poker table is known as being 'under the gun.'
In practical use: “Our opponent hesitantly called our bet on the flop, prompting me to opt for a double-barrel on the turn.”
This expression indicates that you made bets on both the flop and the turn.
You 'double-barrelled,' meaning you placed bets on two consecutive rounds without holding a strong hand.
Utilizing a barrel poker approach indicates you are willing to make bets without having a solid hand, all the while putting pressure on your opponent. A player who excels at barrelling often seeks to bluff in poker and frequently aims to compel their opponents to fold.
To clarify: barrelling in poker is a type of bluffing.
Placing a bet with a 'made' hand — such as a pair, two pairs, a straight, flush, or full house — is not considered a barrel. That would simply be labeled a value bet.
When Is It Best to Use a Barrel in Poker?
Now that you've learned that a barrel poker maneuver involves betting with the intention of forcing your opponent to fold,
- if you make a bet during two rounds, it’s called a double barrel.
- Did you place a bet on the flop, then on the turn, and lastly on the river as a bluff? That’s known as a triple-barrel.
So, when might a good opportunity for barrel poker arise?
You should never attempt to bluff when you have absolutely nothing. Many times, you might be betting into a void. Especially as you're getting the hang of it, avoid random bluffs hoping that your opponent will cave. how to play poker The optimal moment for barrelling in poker is when you’re making a semi-bluff.
You could be bluffing, but there's still potential for your hand to improve.
A prime illustration of this is a flush draw:
This scenario could serve as a favorable moment to make your first move — placing the initial bet — acting as your first barrel. Although you currently have nothing substantial, there’s a chance your hand could get better.
Let’s say you have K♣️Q♣️.
Flop: J♦️3♣️2♣️
This circumstance might present another excellent chance for barrel poker. Even if your hand didn’t improve directly on the turn card, you could still complete a straight if the river card turns out to be a ten. Moreover,
Turn: J♦️3♣️2♣️ 9♦️
Although it seems your hand has not enhanced, if you believe the Ace could spook your opponent, you might as well go all in and make that bet… the triple-barrel! GTO poker says, fire again!
River: J♦️3♣️2♣️ 9♦️A♥️
Important Note : Keep an eye on live reactions and any prior encounters you’ve had with your opponent. If you suspect they are likely to call any bet, it's best to refrain from bluffing. Additionally, don’t attempt it if you believe they have hit the Ace. (They might have a hand like Ace-Jack that pairs nicely with that river card!) The crux of an effective barrel poker strategy lies in understanding when to utilize it… and when to hold back.
| Given that barrelling in poker constitutes a form of bluffing, it's crucial to consider |
Don’t barrel mindlessly.
Some players will never back down, no matter the size of the bet... ever. poker hand probabilities and choose your opponents wisely.
However, if you come across someone whom you think you can intimidate, then using the barrel poker strategy may prove to be a lucrative move.
Amanda, the author of 'A Girl's Guide to Poker,' strives to make the game approachable and enjoyable for everyone. In 2021, she made it to the final table of the World Series of Poker, where she and her father secured third place in the WSOP tag team competition.
See Also
Backdoor , Draw , Gutshot , Position , Hand-Rankings , Flop , Turn , River