A cold call is calling a raise when you have not yet put any money into the pot. The classic example is calling an open raise from the button or the cutoff. Calling a raise from the big blind is not a cold call, because you already have a blind posted.
A cold call example
The lojack opens to $6 at $1/$2. You are in the cutoff with 9♥ 9♣ and call $6. That is a cold call. If you had been in the big blind, it would simply be a call or a defend.
Why cold calling is risky
- Players behind you can squeeze. A cold call invites a squeeze play from the blinds, and you often have to fold and lose your call.
- Your range is capped. When you only call, opponents know you rarely have AA or KK, because you would usually 3-bet those.
- You play without the initiative. The raiser gets to c-bet and you have to react.
Hands that cold call well
In position, middle pairs (66–TT), suited broadways like KQ suited and QJ suited, and strong suited connectors are the usual cold-calling hands. They play well after the flop and are not strong enough to want a big pot preflop. Out of position, it is usually better to 3-bet or fold.
Cold call or 3-bet?
In live games where players rarely squeeze, cold calling more often is fine. In aggressive online games, a 3-bet-or-fold strategy from most positions loses less money. See the starting hand chart for ranges by position, and the full poker glossary for every term.