Dead Money

In poker, "dead money" refers to the money in the pot that has been contributed by players who have folded. This term is used in both live and online poker games, and in both cash games and tournaments.

What is Dead Money in Poker?

Dead money in poker is a term used to describe the money in the pot that was contributed by players who have since folded. Since these players are no longer in the hand, they have no chance of winning the pot, hence their bets are considered "dead".

Understanding and considering the concept of dead money can be a significant part of poker strategy. It can influence decisions on betting, as the dead money in the pot can sometimes justify making a call or a bluff that would otherwise be considered risky.

Implications of Dead Money in Poker

The presence of dead money in the pot can influence the pot odds and consequently, the decision-making process in poker. When there's a significant amount of dead money, it can make it profitable to make calls or bluffs that might otherwise be unprofitable.

However, a player should not make decisions based solely on the amount of dead money. Other factors, such as the strength of the player's hand, their position, and the tendencies of the other players, should also be taken into account.

Example of "Dead Money"

An example of dead money in poker could be in a game of Texas Hold'em where several players make a bet pre-flop but then fold after the flop. The money they contributed to the pot is now considered dead money, as they have no chance of winning it back.

• "There's a lot of dead money in the pot, so I'm going to make a bluff."
• "He folded after making a large bet pre-flop, adding a lot of dead money to the pot."
• "The presence of dead money in the pot influenced her decision to call."