Zeebo's theorem of poker

Before studying this theorem let’s find out who is Zeebo. The author of this theorem is the online poker pro Greg Lavery. One could meet him at the poker forums under nicknames 'Captain Zeebo' or 'captZEEbo' He articulated this statement back in 2006. And despite general tendencies in poker have changed since then, this one is still relevant and reliable.

Poker Zeebo's theorem is one of the simplest and most profitable ones. Zeebo's theorem states:

'No player is capable of folding a full house on any betting round, regardless of the size of the bet.'

It is simple and easy to understand, isn’t it? Let’s dive a little bit deeper...

Why does Zeebo's theorem still work?

There are several reasons why this poker theorem still works:

• Full house is still a very strong hand in poker
• Full houses are rare
• Many players look at the loss with full house like on cooler

All the above-mentioned means that players will be rarely folding their full houses.

Considering all the possible options of playing with full house, it is hard to find the one where this full house be folded. Even if the player has a weak full house, there is also the probability that the opponent is bluffing and this probability will make the player call even if the size of the bet was big.

Think about the situations when you were at the hand holding a full house and you won’t probably be recalling those where you’ve easily folded the hand. In addition to that, even if your opponent has a weak full house the fact there is always a probability you might bluff means in the vast majority of cases they will talk themselves to call any of your bets. Your opponents won’t be too happy about the call and will be unwilling to make the call but they will make this call having a full house.

You have probably never thought about it but we are positive you will be able to understand this poker conception/theorem.

How to use Zeebo's theorem of poker to your advantage

Now when you are familiar with Zeebo's theorem of poker you need to do two things which will help you to learn to apply it on practice and earn money.

To successfully use the theorem you have to realize and apply two moments:

• If you suspect the opponent has a full-house, even a weak one, don’t try to push him out of the pot
• Invest as much as you can in the pot if your opponent likely to have a full-house but is losing to your hand

Rather straightforward, isn’t it? If your opponent never folds a full house regardless of what money you invest in the pot, you must invest all your stack having a nuts and never, we repeat, never bluff here.

Just remember these two simple rules next time you will be sure your opponent has a full house and you will be able to save or win a good pile of cash.

Zeebo's theorem example

Let’s have a look at Zeebo's theorem example

Our hand: :Ah :Js

Board: :As :Ad :Qh :Qc

Hand of the opponent: Let’s suppose we have a reason to believe there is a reason to think the opponent has a Q in his hand.

You should try to invest in the pot as much money as you can. Under no circumstances you need to slowplay if you think your opponent has a queen in his hand as it gives him a full house and he will rarely fold it.

Even despite your opponent has a worse full house he will make himself do the call even realizing you are probably not bluffing at this point. To realize what thought does he have in this situation, imagine yourself in his position. This will allow you to have a maximal profit out of Zeebo's theorem.

Exceptions of Zeebo's theorem

Englishman say: 'Even a stopped clock gives the right time twice a day'. It is very true in respect of Zeebo's theorem. Despite the fact this theorem works 99% of the time, sometimes you see the remaining 1% of the hands, when tight player folds full house looking at your bet. Here is the example of such a fold in Youtube video.

In general, Phil Laak’s fold is justified in this situation. Chan is a very tight player and it is unlikely he raised with bluff. It is easy for us to say as we know pocket cards of both opponents. The moment Luck makes an insta fold looks really impressive. Nevertheless, those cases are extremely rare, even when this situation occurs most of the players will call the bet anyway.

Is Zeebo's theorem still relevant?

Yes, it is. This is probably one of the most reliable theorems in poker. This theorem was first articulated in 2006 and helped the players who followed it to win (or save) quite an amount of money.

Zeebo's theorem conclusions

Zeebo's theorem is a poker theorem you should know and use while playing at the tables. It is simple and will help you save and earn more money. This article isn’t the one to read and forget about in ten minutes. So have a seat at the table and think of the theorem. That is the only way to memorize it and use it.

You can get back to the section of poker theorems and study any other theorem.