ConceptsBetting
Donk betting
Leading into the preflop raiser out of position: usually a mistake, sometimes exactly right.
What it is
A donk bet (or lead) is a bet by the out-of-position preflop caller into the preflop raiser, before the raiser has a chance to continuation-bet.
The name comes from its reputation as a beginner's move, and most of the time checking is better. But there are boards and turn cards where the caller's range is the stronger one, and there a small lead is part of a sound strategy.
Why it matters
By default the raiser has the range advantage, so the caller checks and lets them bet. Leading with a weaker range just gives the raiser an easy raise or fold.
When the board shifts to the caller — low connected flops where the big blind has the two pairs and straights, or a turn card that completes the caller's draws — the lead takes the betting initiative away from a range that can no longer bet as much.
The maths
The fold rate a pure lead needs equals the bet divided by the pot plus the bet.
Worked example
Two flops for the big blind
The button opens and the big blind calls. With the illustrative ranges in the widget:
- On K♦7♣2♥ the button has about 53% equity and more of the strongest hands. Leading gives up the check to a stronger range for nothing.
- On 8♥7♥6♣ the big blind is slightly ahead, with about 51%, and holds about as many strong hands. A small lead with part of the range is reasonable here.
Lead where the board favours your range — not because your hand is medium and you want to see where you are.
Try it
Compare the two ranges on different boards: a lead belongs where the caller's share is the larger one.
Common mistakes
- Leading with a medium hand "to see where I am".
- Leading big, which folds out the hands you beat.
- Leading on boards that favour the raiser.
- Never leading at all, even on turns that clearly favour your range.