Poker glossary

Race

A race is a situation in which two players are all in with hands whose chances are close to even, such as a pair against two overcards. It is also called a coin flip.

The simple explanation

For example, pocket queens against ace-king preflop is a race: the pair is a slight favorite, but the other hand wins often. The outcome depends mainly on the cards that come.

A closer look

Races are common in tournaments, where players must take chances when stacks are short. A pocket pair against two overcards is about 55 percent to 45 percent. A pair against one overcard and a lower card is a much bigger favorite. Think about whether you need to take a race or whether you can wait for a better spot, because a loss eliminates you. Having fold equity improves your race.

A practical example

You push all in with A♥ K♦ and the opponent calls with Q♠ Q♣. The hands are in a race.

Full explanation

A race is a situation in which two players are all in with hands whose chances are close to even, such as a pair against two overcards. It is also called a coin flip.

A race is an all-in situation with nearly equal chances.

A pair against two overcards is the classic race.

It is also called a coin flip.

In tournaments, you cannot always avoid them.

A pair against two overcards

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

Read the example transcript

Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).

Preflop · Pot: 3 chips
A’s Q♣Q♦ faces B’s A♠K♥. This classic pair-versus-overcards matchup is called a race or coin flip, although the chances are not exactly 50/50. QQ is the slight favorite; AK is the underdog. Neither hand is guaranteed to win.
- Player A BTN / SB Queen of clubs (Qc)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
- Player B BB Ace of spades (As)King of hearts (Kh) · Stack 198 · In this round 2

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

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