Walk the Table
Walk the Table is when a player manages to win every single hand at a table, effectively dominating the game. This term is most often used in cash games where one player is on an unstoppable streak, scooping up all the chips hand after hand.
The origin of Walk the Table in Poker
The term “Walk the Table” has its roots in the early days of poker, back when games were held in saloons and riverboats. It was used to describe a player who not only won big but did so by taking down every hand, walking away with all the chips. The phrase became popular in the late 19th century and has stuck around ever since.
Examples of use:
“John walked the table last night; he didn’t lose a single hand!”
Player 1: “Did you hear about Sarah’s game last night?”
Player 2: “Yeah, she totally walked the table. Cleaned everyone out!”
You can use it in real life too…
- “At the company trivia night, Lisa walked the table, answering every question right.”
- “In our video game session, Mike walked the table, winning every round.”
- “During the debate, Alex walked the table, leaving no points unchallenged.”
When playing, be aware:
Do: Keep the pressure on
When you’re on a hot streak and walking the table, keep the pressure on your opponents. Use aggressive betting to maintain your dominance. This will make other players wary of challenging you, giving you a psychological edge.
Don’t: Get overconfident
Even if you’re winning every hand, don’t get overconfident. Overplaying your hand can lead to mistakes and give your opponents the opportunity to catch you off guard. Stay focused and play smart.
Walk the Table means the same in other sports?
In pool, “Walk the Table” means winning every single game in a match, similar to its poker meaning. It’s about complete dominance and not giving your opponent any chance to win.
In chess, “Walk the Table” is used differently. It refers to a player winning every match in a tournament, showing absolute superiority over all competitors.
Trivia
Did you know that the longest recorded streak of “Walking the Table” in poker took place in 1980? A player named Stu Ungar managed to win 12 consecutive hands in a high-stakes game, a record that still stands today.
