Rainbow
The term 'rainbow' in poker refers to a flop that has cards of all different suits, with no two cards of the same suit.
What Is Rainbow in Poker?
In poker, 'rainbow' is where a flop lands with no two suited cards, meaning a backdoor flush is the only way a flush can be made. This terminology is most commonly used in Texas Hold'em and Omaha, where the first three community cards (known as the flop) are dealt at the same time.
A 'rainbow' flop significantly reduces the chances of any player being able to complete a flush. This can greatly influence the betting action, as players with suited hole cards may be less likely to continue with the hand. Preflop, suited connectors like 9♣10♣ can hold decent equity against a wide range. However, even if the flop consists of one club, you'll need running clubs (a club on both the turn and the river), to make a flush.
The concept of a 'rainbow' flop is applicable in all forms of poker that use community cards, including online poker, live poker, cash games, and tournaments.
Example of "Rainbow"
For example, if you're playing a hand of Texas Hold'em and the flop comes out 2 of hearts, 5 of clubs, and 10 of diamonds, this would be referred to as a 'rainbow' flop. If you had two hearts in your hand, you would now have no chance of making a flush on the turn.
- "The rainbow flop didn't help my suited connectors, so I decided to fold."
- "With a rainbow flop, I knew my opponents were unlikely to hit a flush, so I felt confident betting with my pair."
- "The flop came out rainbow, ruining my hopes for a flush draw."
Rainbow in Poker FAQs
[FAQ]
Q: What does 'rainbow' mean in poker?
A: In poker, 'rainbow' refers to a flop that contains cards of all different suits. This means there are no two cards of the same suit, which reduces the chances of any player being able to complete a flush.
Q: How does a 'rainbow' flop affect the game?
A: A 'rainbow' flop can greatly influence the betting action in a hand. Players with suited hole cards may be less likely to continue with the hand, knowing they can't make a flush. This can potentially narrow down the field of players.
Q: Is a 'rainbow' flop common in poker games?
A: The occurrence of a 'rainbow' flop is just as likely as any other combination of suits. It can occur in any poker game that uses community cards, such as Texas Hold'em or Omaha.
Q: Can a 'rainbow' flop improve my poker strategy?
A: Understanding the implications of a 'rainbow' flop can certainly aid your poker strategy. Knowing that flush draws are impossible can influence your betting decisions and help you narrow down the possible hands your opponents may hold.
Q: Can the turn or river be 'rainbow'?
A: The term 'rainbow' is specifically used to describe the flop. After the turn and river are dealt, the board can no longer be 'rainbow' as there are more than three cards on the board.
