Explanation of Coinflip
The phrase 'coin flip' is a flexible expression used to indicate a betting situation, typically an all-in, where neither player holds a definitive edge over the other.
This expression is somewhat vague, as even an all-in situation with a 60/40 advantage could still be casually described as a coin flip, even if there is a notable lead for one of the players.
The origin of the term derives from the concept of flipping a fair coin, which has an equal likelihood of landing heads or tails.
Example of Coinflip used in a sentence -> To manage our risk better, it’s wise to steer clear of unnecessary coinflips .
Incorporating Coinflip into Your Poker Strategy
Genuine coin flip scenarios provide minimal edge (you might as well be at a roulette table). However, the nature of poker often leads players into these coin flip situations without much choice. Take this into account -
Player A open-raises to 3bb.
Player B 3bets to 10bb.
Player A 4bets to 25bb.
Player B shoves for 100bb.
Let’s suppose both players have around 50% equity. In this case, player A would need to call against a fifth bet (at least in a cash game setting). He has already committed 25bb to the pot, which means he only needs 37.5% equity to break even on the call. Opting to fold would be a poor choice since calling is statistically more advantageous despite not being a definite favorite to win.
If player A is presented with exactly 37.5% pot odds, he then technically has the option to call or fold (his expected value would remain the same assuming no rake involved). Even if he is an underdog, the call might still be referred to as a 'coin flip' since he anticipates breaking even. Thus, it's clear that the term coin flip can sometimes be applicable even when one player has a noticeable equity advantage. underdog However, there’s typically a threshold to this idea. A matchup where one player holds an 80/20 advantage is unlikely to be described as a 'coin flip' due to the substantial edge held by the player with 80% equity.
With a membership base exceeding 10 million globally, 888poker is the fastest expanding online poker platform, welcoming a new player every 12 seconds. Since its inception in 1997, 888 has led the way in online gaming, emphasizing safe and responsible gaming practices. We pride ourselves on being one of the largest and most reliable names in the industry, offering a vast range of games, high-stakes tournaments, and thrilling live events for poker enthusiasts worldwide.