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I was reading the most common freerolling situations in holdem, but I have no idea what is being asked. What is Freerolling?

Google wasn't any help (hit too many free rolls vs. freerolling), and we didn't have any answers here that I found.

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I would like to recommend this Wikipedia glossary for future reference which covers many different poker terms, including freerolling: Glossary of poker terms. – A Raaen Apr 23 '12 at 23:38
In addition to a freeroll, there is also a reverse freeroll, in which there is limited or no upside to a particular gamble. Consider a situation in which you have bottom straight on a 4 flush board. If you bet and get action, there is often little chance your hand will win the whole pot, and very often you will lose the whole pot. – John Dibling Apr 27 '12 at 12:59

1 Answer

up vote 7 down vote accepted

Its a term used to describe a situation in which there is no more downside risk involved for one or more active participants, only upside positive outcomes can be realized. A "shot to nothing" is a similar expression.

In the example from the question you link to, both players currently have the best hand, an Ace-high straight, yet only one player also has a flush draw. That player is freerolling as he can't lose (no downside risk) but can still beat his opponent by improving to a flush (upside).

In the context of poker, a freeroll is an opportunity to play with no cost, yet there are still potential rewards. Hence, any similar situation could be thought of as a chance at freerolling.

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