Casino Edge
  1. Rules guide
  2. Glossary
  3. Break (poker)

Break (poker)

Also: breaking, break a pat hand

Poker term

In draw games, discarding the top card of a made hand to draw again.

Example: in 2-7, throw the J from J-7-4-3-2 and draw 1 to 7-4-3-2. As long as the opponent is drawing, stand pat with the J; break only when a strong draw remains underneath. In pots with 3 or more players, always stand pat with a 9 and always break a J. In Badugi, J-A-2-3 is about 60% whether you stand pat or break.

Related terms

  • Pat hand (poker)In draw games, a made hand that doesn't need to draw.
  • Freeze (poker)In draw games, calling instead of raising so the opponent doesn't break.
See the full rules in the app

Rules and strategy are free to view.

See the app

This page is for learning. It is for people 18 or older, does not encourage betting real money, and does not guarantee any result.