What is a Hero Call in Poker

Introduction

Have you ever been in a situation where you suspected your opponent was bluffing but were unsure whether to take the leap and call?

In Poker, the tension often peaks in the final moments of a hand, especially when faced with a large bet on the river. Players must decide whether to trust their instincts or fold their cards at this critical moment. One of the most thrilling moves players make in these moments is the hero call. It is reserved for situations where logic and instinct suggest the opponent’s hand is weaker than he represents.

Here’s everything you need to know about this bold call.

What is a Hero Call in Poker?

A hero call refers to a call made by a player, typically in a high-pressure situation, with a hand that is not particularly strong. The player suspects his opponent is bluffing, so he calls despite holding a marginal hand, hoping to catch the bluff. These calls often occur on the river when the opponent makes a large bet, and the hero caller decides to risk it based on his read of the situation rather than the strength of his cards.

Reasons Behind a Hero Call

Here are the key factors that can lead to a hero call in the game:

1. Spotting a Bluff

The primary reason for a hero call is to suspect your opponent is bluffing. You analyse his betting patterns, timing, and body language to assess if his gameplay makes sense. If his bets do not align with how he normally plays a strong hand, you might decide he is trying to bluff you out.

2. Situation on the Board and Missed Draws

Sometimes, the board reveals that many potential draws—like flush or straight draws—did not hit. If your opponent's betting pattern suggests he was on a draw that missed, this increases the likelihood he is bluffing on the river.

3. Player’s Style of Play and History

Hero calls often come from recognizing a player’s style. Some opponents bluff too frequently, and others tend to overvalue hands. If you have seen a player make reckless bets with weak hands, you can confidently make a hero call when his actions don’t indicate strength.

4. Bet Sizing Inconsistency

Your opponent’s bet sizing can reveal whether he has a strong hand or is bluffing. For example, if someone suddenly makes an unusually large or small bet that does not fit the situation, it can indicate weakness or a desperate attempt to steal the pot.

5. Lack of Credible Story

A big part of Poker is telling a consistent ‘story’ with your bets. If your opponent’s betting pattern does not align with the hand they are trying to represent, it can lead you to make a hero call.

Common Hero Call Hands

Here are the common types of hands used in hero calls.

1. Ace-High Hands

Ace-high beats many bluffs and unpaired hands, so it can be a reliable hand to call with if you are confident that the opponent has nothing stronger.

2. King-High Hands

While not as strong as ace-high, king-high can still beat a wide range of potential bluffs, particularly when the opponent is betting aggressively without a pair.

3. Low and Medium Pocket Pairs

Low or medium pocket pairs are often involved in hero calls when they have not improved on the board, but the opponent’s gameplay does not suggest a strong hand. A small pocket pair can still be ahead of high-card bluffs or missed draws in these situations.

4. Bottom Pair

These calls are typically made against players who are overly aggressive or known for bluffing too often. Even with a weak pair, calling can be correct if you are confident that the opponent is not representing genuine strength.

5. Second or Third Pair

Despite being a marginal hand, if the board does not support the opponent’s betting pattern and you suspect a bluff, the second or third pair can be good enough to win.

6. Blockers

Hero calls are sometimes made based on blockers—cards in your hand that reduce the chances of the opponent having a particularly strong hand. For instance, if you hold a key card that would complete a straight or flush, it becomes less likely that your opponent has those hands, which could make a hero call more attractive.

7. Missed Draws with Showdown Value

While the hand is weak, it can still have some showdown value, particularly if the opponent is betting with an even weaker hand or a pure bluff.

Types of Hero Calls 

Here are some examples of different types of hero calls:

1. River Hero Call with Ace-High

You are playing a No-Limit Texas Hold'em cash game. It is a heads-up on the river, and the board reads:

Board: 8♣ 6♠ 4♦ 2♠ Q♠
Your Hand: A♦ 7♦

Opponent's Actions: Your opponent bets half the pot on the river. You have noticed that he frequently bluffs in these spots when he misses flush draws. You have ace-high and no pair, but block several hands that could have made a straight.

Hero Call:

After thinking it through, you make the call with ace-high, and your opponent sheepishly reveals J♠ 9♠ for a missed flush.

2. Calling a River Overbet with Middle Pair

You are in a deep-stacked cash game. The pot is 500 on the river, and the board is:

Board: K♠ 9♦ 7♠ 4♥ 2♣
Your Hand: 9♠ 8♠

Opponent's Actions: Your opponent suddenly overbets the pot with 800. Earlier in the hand, he was passive, just calling your continuation bet on the flop and check-calling the turn. You have seen him take this line when he has missed big hands (like a flush draw or a straight gutshot draw).

Hero Call:

With the flush draw and straight draw possibilities on the flop, you decide he could be bluffing. You make the call, and he reveals J♠ 10♠, having missed his flush and straight draw.

3. Hero Call with Third Pair in a Tournament

You are deep in a tournament, and the board runs:

Board: A♠ 8♦ 5♣ 5♥ 2♠
Your Hand: 8♣ 7♣

Opponent's Actions: On the river, your opponent shoves all in. You have been playing with him for the past few levels and noticed he tends to go all-in on the river when he has a missed hand. The ace on the board and paired fives make it tricky for him to represent strong value hands without having been raised on earlier streets.

Hero Call:

With your middle pair (third pair overall), you decide your opponent likely has a missed straight draw. You call the all-in, and your opponent shows K♠ Q♠ for a total bluff.

4. Calling a Bluff with Bottom Pair in a Heads-Up Match

You are in a heads-up match, and the board is:

Board: Q♦ 6♥ 4♣ 2♠ J♠
Your Hand: 6♣ 5♦

Opponent's Actions: Your opponent bets two-thirds of the pot on the river. He has been applying pressure the whole match but has overbluffed in several key hands. You have picked up on his aggression when he thinks he can push you off weak pairs or draws.

Hero Call:

Even with a bottom pair, your opponent has been overly aggressive and could easily be bluffing with missed high-card hands or weak draws. You call, and your opponent reveals A♣ 10♠, trying to bluff with ace-high.

5. Hero Call with a Pocket Pair Facing a Scary Board

You are in a 6-max cash game, and the board is:

Board: K♦ 10♠ 9♠ J♠ 3♣
Your Hand: 7♣ 7♠

Opponent's Actions: Your opponent makes a large bet on the river. They could easily represent a straight, flush, or two-pair with this board texture. However, based on previous hands, you have seen him overbet the river when he thinks you have a marginal hand.

Hero Call:

You suspect he is trying to force you out with a bluff, especially if he missed his straight or flush draw. Despite the scary board, you call with your low pocket pair, and he reveals 8♣ 6♣ for a missed draw.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a hero call in Poker?

A hero call is when a player calls a bet with a weak hand, suspecting their opponent is bluffing. It requires strong instincts and an understanding of the opponent's gameplay.

When should you make a hero call?

Make a hero call when you have a strong read on your opponent's bluffing tendencies, notice signs of weakness, or if the pot odds justify the risk.

What are the risks of a hero call?

The main risks include misinterpreting your opponent’s strength, making emotional decisions, and potentially altering your table image. Frequent hero calls may lead to being exploited by savvy opponents who catch on to your tendencies.

Conclusion

A hero call showcases players' ability to read the game and their opponents. However, it is essential to be cautious about when to make such calls, as misreading the situation can lead to major losses.