What is 'The Gap Concept' in Poker? How Can It Influence Your Game?

Poker is an intuitive game that is governed by numerous strategies and presence of mind. Most plays rely on factors like table position, hand strength, and player temperament.

If you are a beginner to poker games, the gap concept is a must-know strategy that will help you play poker online more efficiently. Simply put, the concept states that it takes a better hand to call a raise than to raise for the first time. The gap refers to the difference between the value of cards held by the player who raised and the one who might call while playing online poker real money.

Let's understand the variables that affect the size of the gap while playing poker.

Table position

According to the seating arrangement, it is split into early, middle and late positions. Position on the table will change your strategy drastically pre and post-flop. The early and mid positions are always at a strategic disadvantage because the game can change drastically by the time the last player makes a move.

The gap concept helps poker players in bad positions because if you raise in an early position, it shows dominance and adds pressure on other players. Unless the players have a solid hand, they will fold. The gap concept works exceptionally well in late positions, and you have the chance to win the entire pot instantly.

Playing style

If a poker player is cautious and plays tightly, it is highly unlikely they would raise in an early position. If they do, it can only mean that they have a strong hand, and the only move is to fold and cut losses.

On the other hand, if you feel that the player takes risks and has a habit of bluffing all the time, the gap reduces in this scenario. It is worth the risk to call and take the pot if you have a decent hand.

Practice will set you apart if you are serious about playing poker professionally. Learning new strategies is useless if not practically applied while playing real money games. Begin your poker India journey now with IndiaPlays. Play poker online now on the best online poker website in India!