Definition of Tank



What does the term "tank" mean in poker? What is the definition of the term "tank" as it applies to the world of poker?

In poker, "tanking" occurs when a player takes a considerable amount of time to consider what they are going to next do in the hand.

Here are a couple of examples of when you might hear the word "tank" used in a poker game:

"The player who was first to act pushed all-in following the river card, and his opponent went into the tank for a full six minutes before folding."

or

"Following a very large river bet, Joe Smith tanked for five minutes before making the call."

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Definition of Tank - Poker Dictionary - Storage Tank IllustrationLet's look at one more example:

You are playing in a $5/$10 No Limit Hold'em cash game at your local casino. The stacks are very deep at the table. The game is playing very loose and aggressive.

You are on the button. A player from early position raises, and action folds around to you. You look down at Q-J suited and decide to call. The SB and BB both fold.

The flop comes J-7-8. The player in early position leads out with a bet, and you call.

The turn brings another Jack. You decide that you are going to slowplay your big hand. The player in early position bets again, and you call again.

The river brings an Ace. The player in early position pushes all-in. After the dealer counts it down, you hear that it will cost you an additional $4,000 to call. You currently have about $4,500 in your stack. With the potential pot over $10,000, you go deep into the tank and think about what your opponent might have. Is he bluffing? Does he have pocket Aces? Does he have the other Jack? Does he have 77 or 88?

After thinking about it for over five minutes, you decide to call and are dismayed to see your opponent turn over pocket Aces.

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