Cold call
Calling a raise (or a re-raise) without having put any money into the pot yet in that round. Cold-calling a 3-bet is rare; cold-calling an open from the button is common.
Frequently asked questions
What is a cold call in poker?
Calling a raise cold — with nothing already committed to the pot. Facing an open raise from an early position with no previous action from you, calling is a cold call; a big blind calling the same raise is defending, not cold-calling.
Why does the distinction matter?
Price. The blinds already have money in and are getting a better effective price, so they can defend far wider. A cold caller is paying full freight and needs a stronger, more selective range.
Is cold calling weak?
It is a narrower tool than it looks. Against a tight opener it caps your range and invites players behind to squeeze. Many strong players prefer a three-bet or fold in those spots, and keep cold calls for hands that play well multiway or against opponents who raise too wide.