pokerfish

Pokerfish is a term sometimes used colloquially in online poker communities to describe a player who is perceived to be particularly weak or unskilled. This term is generally considered derogatory and is not used in formal poker literature. The origin of the term is unclear, but it likely stems from the idea of a fish being an easy target or prey.

Players labeled as "pokerfish" are often characterized by making predictable and unprofitable decisions, such as chasing draws incorrectly, overvaluing weak hands, or making large mistakes with their betting. These players tend to lose money consistently to more experienced opponents. The term is often used by more successful players to identify potential targets at the poker table, though this practice is discouraged by many in the poker community as it promotes negative and unsportsmanlike behavior.

Identifying and exploiting players who play poorly is a fundamental aspect of profitable poker. However, the term "pokerfish" is informal and subjective. What one player considers a "fish," another might see as a recreational player making common mistakes. The use of such labels can sometimes lead to a player becoming overly aggressive or dismissive of opponents, which can be detrimental to their own game. It is generally recommended to focus on playing one's own best game rather than relying on judgmental labels for opponents.