How Do You Play a Calling Station in Poker?

If you’re a seasoned poker player, chances are you’ve come across the term “calling station” at some point. A calling station is a type of player who will call bets and raises frequently, regardless of their hand strength or the actions of their opponents.

Playing against a calling station can be frustrating, but it’s important to approach the situation with strategy and patience. In this article, we’ll explore how to play against a calling station in poker.

Understand Their Tendencies
The first step in playing against a calling station is to understand their tendencies. Calling stations are often passive players who lack aggression and rarely bluff.

They tend to play a wide range of hands and will call bets and raises with weak holdings. This means you can expect them to call your bets with hands like bottom pair, gutshots, and overcards.

Don’t Bluff Too Often
Given the nature of calling stations, bluffing too often can be a waste of time and money. They are unlikely to fold their hands unless they have absolutely nothing, so your bluffs will often be met with calls that put you at risk for losing more chips. Instead, focus on value betting your strong hands and letting your opponents make mistakes by calling with weaker holdings.

PRO TIP:In poker, a “calling station” is a player who tends to call bets instead of raising or folding. To play effectively against this type of player, you should bet larger amounts with your strong hands and wait for your opponent to make a mistake. Don’t be afraid to bluff, as the calling station is likely to call with weaker hands. You should also be aware that when the calling station does raise, they usually have a very strong hand.

Play Tighter Pre-Flop
Since calling stations tend to play many hands, it’s important to adjust your pre-flop strategy accordingly. Playing tighter pre-flop means you’ll be more likely to enter pots with stronger holdings that have the potential to win big pots if they hit. This strategy also ensures that when you do enter pots with weaker holdings, you’ll have better post-flop opportunities for making profitable decisions.

Bet for Value
When playing against a calling station, it’s crucial to bet for value whenever possible. This means betting when you have a strong hand that is likely ahead of your opponent’s range.

Since calling stations tend to call frequently, you’ll want to bet enough to get value from their weaker holdings. This is particularly true on the river, where you should aim to size your bets appropriately based on the strength of your hand.

Be Patient
Playing against a calling station can be frustrating, but it’s important to remain patient and stick to a solid strategy. Don’t let their constant calls get under your skin and cause you to make mistakes. Instead, focus on making good decisions and taking advantage of their tendencies over the long run.

Conclusion
Playing against a calling station requires a different approach than playing against other types of players. It’s important to understand their tendencies, adjust your pre-flop strategy, bet for value, and remain patient throughout the game. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to take advantage of their weaknesses and come out ahead in the long run.