What is a "donk bet" in poker?

[ProGambler]

What in poker is a "donk bet"?

In poker, a "donk bet" (also called a "donkey bet" or "donk lead") denotes an unorthodox action where a player who is out of position (i.e., not the last aggressor in the previous betting round) assumes the initiative by betting into the player who displayed aggression on the previous street. It entails betting first on the next street before the initial attacker has a chance to respond.

A donk bet was previously viewed as a weak or perplexing move because the term "donk" has historically been used to refer to novice or inept players. However, donk bet perception has changed recently, and some competent players now use this tactic.

 

[CR7]

Donk bets can be used for different reasons, such as:

1. Protection: Sometimes, a player may donk bet as a defensive move to protect their hand against a potential draw or to avoid giving a free card to their opponent.

2. Misdirection: A player might use a donk bet as a bluff or to mislead their opponent into believing they have a stronger hand than they do.

3. Information: Donk bets can also be used to gather information on the strength of an opponent's hand. By leading out with a small bet, a player can potentially induce a raise or a call, which can reveal something about their opponent's hand.

It's worth noting that donk bets are generally not recommended for beginners, as they can be difficult to execute effectively. It's important for players to understand their opponents and the board textures before choosing to use this tactic. Proper timing, sizing, and frequency are all key components of a successful donk bet strategy.