Heater
A heater is a winning streak or a long run of good cards. A player who is on a heater is winning a lot of pots, often in a row.
The simple explanation
The word describes a short period of good results, often a mix of luck and good play. Players say 'I'm on a heater' when they win several pots or tournaments in a row. The opposite is a downswing or a cold streak.
A closer look
Heaters are a natural part of variance: even an average player will have runs of good results. The danger is thinking that a run will continue, or that a player is playing better than they are. Good players keep their regular strategy and bankroll rules during a heater. Equally, they do not change their play too much when a heater ends.
A practical example
A player wins three pots in a row with strong hands and says to the table, 'I'm on a heater tonight.'
Full explanation
A heater is a winning streak or a long run of good cards. A player who is on a heater is winning a lot of pots, often in a row.
A heater is a streak of good luck. People also call it running hot or an upswing.
It refers to results, not a style of play.
Variance makes streaks common in poker.
The right attitude is to keep playing the same sound strategy.