The “River” refers to the fifth and final community card dealt face-up on the board in flop games such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha. It is the last of the three main betting rounds, following the Flop and the Turn. Once the River card is dealt, players have one final opportunity to bet, raise, or fold before the hand proceeds to a showdown (if more than one player remains).
Example
Imagine you’re playing Texas Hold’em. The Flop came out as A♠ K♦ 7♣, and the Turn was a 3♥. The board now shows A♠ K♦ 7♣ 3♥. A player bets, and another calls. The dealer then deals the final community card, the River, which is the 10♠. The full board is now A♠ K♦ 7♣ 3♥ 10♠. Players then proceed with the final betting round, using their two hole cards in combination with these five community cards to make the best possible five-card hand.
Strategy Tip
Playing the River effectively is often the most challenging and crucial aspect of poker. When facing a bet on the River, you must decide whether to call, raise, or fold. This decision should be based on your hand strength, your read on your opponent’s range and tendencies, and the pot odds you are being offered. If you believe you have the best hand, a “value bet” can extract more chips from your opponent. Conversely, if you have a weak hand but believe your opponent might fold to pressure, a “bluff” can win you the pot. Always consider the potential impact of the River card on both your hand and your opponent’s possible holdings, as it’s the final opportunity to make a move.
FAQ
- What happens after the River betting round?
- After the final betting round on the River, if more than one player remains in the hand, all active players reveal their hole cards in a “showdown.” The player with the best five-card poker hand using any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards wins the pot.
- Is the River always the last card dealt?
- Yes, in standard flop games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha, the River is always the fifth and final community card dealt. There are no further community cards or betting rounds after the River.
- Why is it called the “River”?
- The exact origin of the term “River” is debated, but one popular theory suggests it comes from old riverboat gambling. In some games, the last card dealt was sometimes referred to as the “river card,” possibly signifying the end of the line or the final chance, much like crossing a river was a point of no return. It marks the ultimate conclusion of the hand’s development.