Explanation of River Rat
The phrase \"river rat\" characterizes a player who appears to benefit from chance by completing their hand on the river, often referred to as 'sucking out.' This is particularly noted when it's believed that the player made questionable decisions earlier in the hand, like making calls without sufficient odds.
Players who are skilled and make sound judgments aren't often labeled as river rats, even if they successfully hit on the river. The label usually suggests that a player is too liberal with their calls earlier in the game in hopes of getting fortunate. Consequently, these players show a tendency to 'suck out' more often simply because they navigate beyond the turn with a wider variety of hands than most.
Sample usage of River Rat in context -> Be sure to make strong value bets in the earlier betting rounds, that player is definitely a river rat .
Incorporating River Rat into Your Poker Tactics
Facing opponents who seldom fold during earlier betting phases can be quite vexing, especially when they seem to win frequently. However, it's crucial to recognize the advantages of having such players at your table. Their tendency to play too many hands provides ample opportunities for us to gain value, even when we hold hands that are only marginally advantageous. Even if river rats experience short-term success, they often struggle to hit their draws over time.
See Also
Calling Station , Value Bet , Fish , River , Bad Beat