Steal
Steal is making a bet or raise with a weak hand in an attempt to win the pot uncontested, usually during the later stages of a poker game. It’s a sneaky strategy often used to pick up blinds and antes when everyone else at the table is playing cautiously. Think of it as trying to swipe candy from a jar when nobody’s looking.
The origin of Steal in Poker
The term “steal” in poker has been around since players realized they could exploit tight play in the later stages of a game. It gained popularity in the 1970s when tournament poker started to become more structured. As players became more strategic, the term stuck as a staple of poker lingo.
Examples of use:
“I decided to steal the blinds with my 7-2 offsuit since everyone else folded.”
Player 1: “Why’d you raise with that hand?”
Player 2: “Just trying to steal the pot. Everyone looked scared.”
You can use it in real life too…
- “I’m going to steal this parking spot before someone else gets it.”
- “He tried to steal the last slice of pizza when nobody was watching.”
- “She managed to steal the spotlight with her amazing performance.”
When playing, be aware:
Do: Choose your moments wisely
Timing is everything. Attempt a steal when you sense weakness from your opponents. If everyone folds to you in a late position, it’s a good time to try and grab those blinds. This can increase your chip stack without needing a showdown.
Don’t: Overdo it
If you try to steal too often, your opponents will catch on and start calling or re-raising you with stronger hands. This can lead to losing a lot of chips quickly. Balance is key; mix up your play to keep your opponents guessing.
Steal means the same in other sports?
In basketball, “steal” means taking the ball away from the opposing player, usually leading to a fast break and quick points. In baseball, a “steal” involves a player advancing to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate.
In contrast, in chess, a “steal” might be used informally to describe a surprising move that captures an opponent’s piece unexpectedly, though it’s not an official term.
Trivia
Did you know that Daniel Negreanu once famously said, “In poker, if you never steal, you’re not playing to win”? This quote highlights the importance of the steal in a well-rounded poker strategy.
