[A Beginner's Guide to Poker] What is a donk bet in poker?

What is a Donk Bet?

The term “Donk Bet” originates from “donkey,” meaning it’s treated as a “foolish bet.” It is a bet that should not be made.

So, what exactly is a Donk Bet?
In short, it is ”betting before the aggressor does”. To understand Donk Bets, it’s necessary first to grasp the concept of an ”Aggressor.”

About the Aggressor

The Aggressor is the person who made the last raise or bet in the previous round.
Let’s look at specific examples to understand the Aggressor.
If you already understand the concept of the Aggressor, you may skip this part.

Example 1: Preflop

In the above example, UTG participates with a raise to 600, and others join with a call.
As UTG was the last to raise, UTG is the Aggressor.

Example 2: Preflop

In the example above, HJ participates with a raise to 600, and CO raises it further to 1800. Therefore, since CO was the last to raise, CO is the Aggressor.

Example 3: Flop

In the above example, BTN raises to 1800 in response to HJ’s bet of 600. As BTN is the last to raise, BTN is the Aggressor.

Recognizing the Aggressor is very important in playing poker, so make sure to always keep track of it.

About Donk Bets

A Donk Bet is when someone who is not the Aggressor bets before the Aggressor’s action. Generally, you don’t bet before the Aggressor and instead check to them.

Specific Examples of Donk Bets

Let’s look at specific examples of Donk Bets.

Example: Preflop

You are in the BB position.
You called with ♦9 ♦7 against a raise of 600 from BTN. At this point, the Aggressor is BTN. Now to the flop.

Example: Flop

The flop is ♠3♣9♠8, and you have a top hit one pair.
In BTN vs BB, BB acts first, so it’s your action first.
Here, you bet 600. → This bet is called a Donk Bet.

Why Donk Bets are Not Good

The opponent can tell you have a strong hand

If you make a Donk Bet when your hand strengthens on the flop, the aggressor might fold, thinking, “The opponent has a strong hand.”

The strength of your hand becomes obvious to your opponent.

Unable to induce a bluff from the opponent

A Donk Bet might cause the opponent to fold a weaker hand.
In other words, it reduces the possibility of the opponent bluffing.

The opponent might have a very strong hand

The Aggressor, being the last to raise or bet in the previous round, is likely to have a stronger hand than a caller.

Summary

Donk Bets are difficult to use effectively even for advanced players.
When starting out in poker, there’s a tendency to make Donk Bets without considering anything but the strength of your own hand, which is often not advantageous, so it’s better not to use Donk Bets.