Open
To open, in a game of poker, refers to placing the first bet to start the betting round. Unlike the big or small blind, this bet is completely voluntary and begins from the player sitting to the immediate left of the big blind.
In the first round of betting, this is also known as opening the pot. In some variations of the game, blind betting is also involved and in such a case, a blind bet is also said to open the pot. The players following the opening bet need to either call that bet, or raise it, to be a part of the round.
The player opening the betting round may even choose to raise instead of simply placing the minimum amount. The minimum amount of each bet is usually equal to the value of the big blind. For e.g. in a $5/$10 game, the opening bet needs to be a minimum of $10. In no-limit or pot-limit games, the person who has to open the betting round, may bet any amount or the pot’s value, respectively, to start the betting round also. In such a case, the others following the player will have to call or raise accordingly.
There are many variations in poker where the opening bet may be fixed and any player making a bet in such a game, has to place that amount as the opening bet. Also, there are variations that require a player to hold a certain value of cards to be able to open the betting. For e.g. in some variations, a player may only open the betting if the s/he has a particular card, say Jack, or higher.
These poker rounds are governed by special rounds to open the betting and may also have specified betting structures to open.
Forrige begrep: Open limp, Neste begrep: Openers
