What is a "crying call" in poker?

[ProGambler]

A "crying call" in poker is a call that is made by a player who has a mediocre or poor hand and typically has little expectation of winning the pot but feels obliged to call because of the amount of the bet, the pot odds, or a good read on their opponent. The phrase "crying" implies that the call is made reluctantly and is frequently connected to feelings of frustration or resignation.

A crying call often happens when a player is faced with a sizable bet or raise from their opponent and is presented with challenging odds or a significant chance of losing. The player chooses to make the call despite the unfavourable circumstances, frequently based on elements like their judgement on the opponent's propensity for bluffing.

 

[CR7]

Crying calls are often considered risky plays as they can result in the player losing additional chips or the hand. However, they can also pay off in certain situations, such as when the player correctly reads their opponent's hand and makes a call that ends up winning the pot.

In general, crying calls are more common in cash games than in tournaments, as players may be more willing to take risks in the latter if they are low on chips and need to make a move to stay in the game. Additionally, in tournament play, players are often more cautious with their chips as they do not want to risk elimination.

Making crying calls can be a sign of an inexperienced player who is not sure of their reads or does not have a strong grasp of pot odds. More experienced players may use crying calls as a strategic tool to induce their opponents to make bigger bets or to reinforce a particular image at the table.

In conclusion, crying calls are a common occurrence in poker games, and while they can be risky, they can also pay off in certain situations. It is up to each player to make an informed decision based on the situation and to avoid making them too frequently.