Definition of Live Cards

What does the term "live cards" mean? What is the definition of the term "live cards" in poker?

In poker, the term "live cards" means that you are holding an inferior hand to your opponent, but one (which would be a "live card") or two ("live cards") of your cards pairing could result in you beating your opponent's hand, depending on whether or not he also made a pair, and if it was better than your pair.

Doesn't make much sense? It's easier to illustrate this with some examples:

Example #1:

You push all-in from early position holding Js-9s. Action folds around to the big blind, who calls with Ad-Kd.

In this scenario you would have two "live cards". If you paired your Jack or Nine, and if your opponent didn't make a pair, then you would win the hand.

Example #2:

You push all-in from early position holding Qd-Jd. Action folds around to the big blind, who makes the call with Qc-Kc.

In this scenario, you would have one "live card" - the Jack. If your Queen pairs, then you are still behind in the hand, as your opponent will have you outkicked.

However, if you pair your Jack and your opponent doesn't pair his King, then you will win the hand (assuming that your opponent doesn't hit a flush or straight, of course).

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No Live Cards:

You push all-in from early position holding J-9 offsuit. Action folds around to the BB, who make the quick call with pocket Aces.

In this scenario, you would have no live cards. Even if you paired your Jack or Nine, then you would still be behind the pocket Aces of your opponent.

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