The term “donk” is often heard on poker tables and free poker tables around the world. The technical definition of a donk is “a bad player who makes blatantly bad poker plays and a weak player”. Donk is a shortened term for donkey. Traditionally, donk is a term that has a negative connotation to describe sub par playing techniques. However, in some poker circles some people wear the title of donk proudly. Has the traditional definition of donk evolved and morphed into a different meaning?

Now that we have defined the traditional negative paradigm of donk, let’s explore a new emerging view of being a donk.

A player may be called a donk if they have won a big pot with a poor hand. If someone calls a big preflop raise with small connectors or suited cards to catch a flush or a straight, is this poor play? Do playing inferior cards make someone a weak player, or does it make them an equal opportunity card player? Although statisticians confirm that playing superior cards in poker will yield greater profits, the donk often confirms that playing inferior cards can result in surprising profits.

The mindset of a donk is that all cards be treated with equal respect and be viewed as a potential winner. Donks often call large preflop raises with low cards hoping the board will result in low cards to produce a winning hand. After all, why should paint cards get all the respect? Donks consider themselves entrepreneurs in the world of poker by employing every hole card dealt to them with equal opportunity to be put into play. To put it simply, donks are dreamers who are convinced that their odds of winning are much greater if they play every single hand.

So what differentiates a donk player from a winning donk player, since donks will play every hand fast and loose? The difference is that a sly donk will play a hand in good position and know when to fold when the board materializes. If the flop is favourable and offers a glimmer of hope, a chase will ensue. If there is absolutely no hope in the flop then a clever donk will fold. A wise donk isn’t simply a poor player, but someone who finds opportunity in playing a wide variety of cards.

Whatever type of player you are playing against, its worth checking out free poker sites to see if you can improve your game and find a way to beat them.