Live Hand

A Live Hand in poker refers to a hand that is still active and has the potential to win the pot. This term is often used to distinguish hands that are still in play from those that have been folded.

What is a Live Hand in Poker?

A Live Hand in poker is a hand that is still active in the current round of betting. This means that the player has not folded and is still in the running to win the pot.

A Live Hand continues to be live until the player either folds, or the round of betting is completed and the hand goes to showdown.

Understanding Live Hands

Understanding what constitutes a Live Hand is essential in poker. If a player folds, their hand is no longer live and they cannot win the current pot. Conversely, as long as a player has not folded and the round of betting is not complete, their hand is considered live.

Playing a Live Hand

When you have a Live Hand, your goal is to either make the best hand by the time the betting is complete, or to make all other players fold their hands. The strategy you employ can depend on a variety of factors, including the strength of your hand, your position at the table, and the actions of the other players. There are several ways you can declare your hand dead (i.e. fold), making your hand no longer live. The most common of these is by putting your cards face down into the middle of the table, but verbally announcing 'fold' will also mean your hand is not live.

Example of "Live Hand"

You're playing a game of Texas Hold'em and you're dealt a pair of Aces - a strong starting hand. As long as you don't fold, your hand remains a Live Hand and has the potential to win the pot.

• "I had a Live Hand but decided to fold when the flop didn't improve my hand."
• "She won the pot with her Live Hand after everyone else folded."
• "He kept his hand live and managed to win with a straight on the river."