What in poker is a "rake"?

[ProGambler]

A tiny portion of the pot that is taken by the casino or cardroom as payment for hosting the game is referred to as "rake" in the poker context. Up to a certain point, the rake is often determined as a percentage of the total pot size.

For instance, the casino might take $1 from any pot that hits $20 or higher in a regular $1/$2 no-limit hold'em game with a maximum rake of $5, up to a maximum of $5 each hand. Accordingly, the rake in a $100 pot would be $1, and in a $200 pot, it would be $2.

Casinos and cardrooms employ the rake to make money from the games they host.

 

[CR7]

However, not all poker games and tournaments have a rake, as some casinos and cardrooms provide rake-free games as an incentive to attract more players. Furthermore, online poker rooms may utilize various rake structures, including the traditional percentage-based rake, time-based rake, and tournament fees.

The rake has a significant impact on a poker player's profitability. High rakes may make games exceptionally difficult to beat, particularly for recreational players who aren't as skilled as their competitors. That is why professional players frequently seek out games with low rakes to enhance their winning chances.

When playing poker, it's critical to understand the rake and how it operates. This understanding may help you choose the best games and maximize your profits while minimizing your losses.