Calling station is a term meaning a weak loose-passive poker player, that calls bets and raises of his opponents very often, but at the same time rarely makes his own bets. This kind of players fold only their weakest hands.

Calling station oftentimes makes calls even with hopeless cards, because he can’t correctly evaluate the relative strength of his hand. Calling stations will never fold draw hands to an opponent bets, and will wait until the end, hoping to draw the required card on the later streets.

Interestingly, that even having a strong hand, that kind of player will oftentimes call, thereby not contributing to the pot and not defending his hand. If a calling station will decide to bet, you can be pretty sure that he will have complete nuts.

The main thing you need to know when playing versus calling stations - don’t even try to bluff, as it’s extremely difficult to get them to fold. Remember once and for all: bluff against calling stations is useless.

Callings stations are also often called ATM’s in poker.

See also:

• Fish
• Shark
• Donkey station