The notion of 'chase' in poker aligns closely with its everyday meaning, emphasizing the idea of pursuing something.
Typically, this term is relevant in two distinct poker situations: pursuing a draw and recovering losses .
This guide will cover several key aspects -
Understanding the Concept of Chasing a Draw
Pursuing a draw involves calling bets and raises in hopes that our hand will improve. While the term can apply to any scenario where a hand is drawing, it's often used specifically to describe instances where a player decides to call bets and raises without the necessary odds, simply praying for a stroke of luck. For instance, that player really struggles; he constantly chases draws.
Is it Correct to Chase Draws in Hold’em?
The appropriateness of chasing a draw hinges entirely on the odds offered. When both pot odds or implied odds justify a call against a bet or raise, then pursuing the draw can be considered a good strategy. However, the expression chasing draws often suggests that a player is going against the odds and simply relying on luck, which typically leads to losses over time and is not recommended.
Understanding 'Chasing Losses' in Poker
'Chasing losses' indicates that a player has experienced a series of losing hands and continues playing with the sole aim of recovering those lost funds. This approach is generally ill-advised because we cannot control whether we regain our losses, and it may lead to even greater financial setbacks and a compulsion to chase those losses further.
Is It Ok To Chase Losses in Poker?
Typically, chasing losses is viewed negatively, suggesting that the player wishes to exit the game but finds it difficult to do so until they have recovered a portion of their lost money. A significant issue with this mindset is that there's no guarantee of winning anything back, and players often end up incurring even larger losses. This behavior is generally associated with the darker aspects of gambling, such as addiction.
Summary
The expression chase in poker generally relates to either pursuing a draw or recovering losses . Chasing a draw can be sensible if you have favorable pot or implied odds to do so. On the other hand, chasing losses is mostly perceived negatively and might be acceptable only if approached with the right mentality.