Poker Players Calling
Written June 2, 2008 by Jack Jones
The definition of calling in poker is matching the current wager. As an example, if there is a bet of $2 then a raise of $2 then it would cost $4 to call. Calling a bet is the cheapest and most passive form of staying in the hand and the pot.
A calling station is a player who seems to call almost every single hand. Most players find calling stations frustrating, but they are very beatable. You will do your best to prevail against these players if you make hands and raise bets, and know that they don’t get the full advantage of their strong hands because they play so passively.
These players are more reluctant to bet or raise. This is exactly the opposite to a loose player who tends to play more hands, but holds on to them longer. The loose-passive player calls almost everything but will only raise on really great hands. An aggressive player raises or re-raises frequently and a tight player is one who plays fewer hands and folds them early.
Players who are calling stations hit more backdoor and unlikely draws than most players do, and that is what can be so frustrating about playing with these guys.
You want to play tight-aggressive against these players. Be selective about what cards you play, but then turn aggressive when you get involved in a decent pot with a strong hand.