Steal (poker)

In poker, the term steal is often used as merely a synonym for bluff, but there is a more specific use of the term which is also called an "ante steal" or "blind steal" (depending on whether the game being played uses antes or blinds). This play is used either in late Position after several people have folded or when the game is short-handed. It is to raise with a hand less valuable than what might normally be considered a raising hand, with the hope that the few players remaining will not have a hand worth calling the raise, thereby winning the antes or blinds without further action.

While steals like this don't win much money per hand, they can accumulate to considerable profit if the players to your left are passive enough to not contest many of your steals. Of course, skilled players will recognize repeated steal plays and frequently call for defense.

See also : Poker