Variance
方差
Variance describes the statistical measure of how much your results deviate from your expected value over a given sample. In poker, even the best players can experience long losing streaks due to variance. Understanding variance is crucial for bankroll management, emotional control, and evaluating whether results reflect skill or luck. Higher variance strategies (like aggressive bluffing) require larger bankrolls.
Example
Getting AA cracked three times in a row is variance — the plays were correct but the short-term results were negative.
Related Terms
More Fundamentals Terms
Range
The set of all possible hands a player could have in a given situation.
Stack Depth
The size of a player's chip stack relative to the blinds or pot.
Bankroll Management
The practice of managing your poker funds to survive variance and avoid going broke.
Limping
Calling the big blind to see the flop instead of raising.
VPIP (Voluntarily Put Pot In)
The percentage of hands a player voluntarily puts money into the pot.
PFR (Preflop Raise)
The percentage of hands a player raises preflop.