Ratholing
Taking chips off the table during a cash-game session — pocketing part of a stack after winning a big pot and continuing with less. Also called 'going south', it is against the rules almost everywhere: chips in play must stay in play until you leave.
Frequently asked questions
What is ratholing?
Removing chips from your stack while still sitting in the game — for example winning a big pot and quietly pocketing part of it.
Why is ratholing banned?
It breaks table stakes, which requires your whole stack to be in play and at risk. Ratholing lets a player take the upside of a big pot without leaving the money available for opponents to win back. Rooms treat it as cheating.
Can you ever reduce your stack?
Only by leaving the game, and most rooms then require you to stay away for a set period before returning at a lower buy-in — typically an hour. Leaving immediately after a big win is a hit and run, which is legal but unpopular.