Cold Call

A cold call occurs when a player calls multiple bets or raises in one action. This typically happens when there's been a raise and at least one caller before the action reaches the cold caller. It's a more demanding play than a regular call because you're putting in more money against multiple opponents who have already shown strength.

Key Points

  • Multiple bet facing
  • Stronger range needed
  • Position crucial
  • Stack depth important

Optimal Scenarios

  • Preflop:
    • Premium hands
    • Strong suited hands
    • Position advantage
    • Stack depth sufficient
  • Postflop:
    • Strong made hands
    • Premium draws
    • Implied odds present
    • Multi-way potential

Strategic Considerations

  • Position Impact:
    • Later position better
    • Information advantage
    • Post-flop playability
    • Stack leverage
  • Stack Sizes:
    • Implied odds needed
    • SPR considerations
    • Commitment levels
    • Future street planning

Example Scenarios

Preflop: UTG raises, MP calls, you have J♠J♣ in the CO. Cold calling can be better than 3-betting to keep weaker hands in and control pot size.

Postflop: PFR bets flop, one caller, you have top pair top kicker. Cold calling maintains pot control and keeps weaker hands in your range.

Hand Selection

  • Preflop Hands:
    • Premium pairs
    • Suited broadways
    • Suited connectors
    • Position dependent
  • Postflop Hands:
    • Strong made hands
    • Draw combinations
    • Board texture fit
    • Multi-way strength

Common Mistakes

  • Too wide range
  • Poor position calls
  • Stack depth ignorance
  • Missing raise spots
  • Weak hand selection
  • Insufficient odds

Advanced Concepts

  • Range Construction:
    • Multi-way adjustments
    • Position considerations
    • Stack depth impact
    • Player type adaptation
  • Post-flop Strategy:
    • Multi-way dynamics
    • Range advantage spots
    • SPR considerations
    • Pot control elements

Game Type Considerations

  • Cash Games:
    • Deep stack play
    • Implied odds focus
    • Regular opponent reads
    • Consistent strategy
  • Tournaments:
    • ICM implications
    • Stack preservation
    • Stage consideration
    • Pressure awareness

Cold calling is a more demanding play than standard calling, requiring careful consideration of position, stack sizes, and opponent tendencies. Success comes from proper hand selection, understanding multi-way dynamics, and having clear post-flop plans. While often viewed as a passive play, strategic cold calling can be highly profitable when executed correctly in the right situations.