The game of poker is filled with various poker terms, abbreviations, and slang that can be confusing for both new and experienced players. One of these terms is "rake", which is commonly used in cash games and tournaments. In this article, we will dive deeper into the meaning of rake in poker, its purpose, and how it affects players during a game. Firstly, to establish a clear understanding of rake, we must acknowledge that it is a poker term used to describe a portion of the pot that the casino, also known as the "house", receives for acting as the dealer and facilitator of the poker game. This fee is typically a percentage of the total pot and varies depending on the house's rules and the type of game being played. In online games, the rake is often automatically taken from the pot, while in live games, it is often taken from winners and sometimes the players as well. Rake was introduced to poker as a way for the house to maintain a regular source of income, ensuring the game would always have a host to oversee and help players stay organized. Without rake, poker rooms would not be able to sustain themselves due to the high costs associated with running a business, such as paying staff, maintaining the facilities, and managing the games themselves. In cash games, rake is calculated on a per-hand basis and is usually a percentage of the pot, regardless of the game's limits. For example, in a $1-$2 "big bet" no-limit Texas hold'em game, the house might take out a 5% rake. With a 5% rake, the dealer would take $0.35 out of the pot if the game's big blind was $2, and $0.15 if the game's big blind was $1. In tournaments, rake works slightly differently. In most cases, a flat fee is taken from the participants' buy-in, which varies by tournament level. Rake in tournaments can range from a small percentage (usually around 5% to 10%) to a full fee (up to 20%). The rake that the house collects is then added to the prize pool, which is later split among the winners. As such, rake is a significant source of income for poker rooms and online platforms and ensures the poker tournaments' overall quality. One common scenario where players can encounter rake is in freerolls, which are tournaments with no entry fee. Despite being called "freerolls," these events can still have a rake, usually a percentage (usually 5-10%) or fixed fee (1-2 units). For example, a freeroll could have a $1 buy-in with no entry fee, but a $0.10 rake taken from each participant's buy-in. The remainder of the buy-in is added to the prize pool. In conclusion, rake is a critical aspect of poker games that ensures the house is able to sustain itself and continue providing games to players. As a player, understanding the rake helps you make more informed decisions about which games to play and how to strategize for your bankroll. It is essential to always keep rake in mind when playing poker, whether in cash games or tournaments, to make the most of your poker experience.