In poker, the term heater refers to a period of extremely good results that go beyond one’s realistic expectations. A poker heater is the exact opposite of a downswing.
For example, you could say, I’ve been on the absolute heater for the last three months. I won two buy-ins or more in the last 20 cash game sessions I played, and I won every insurance bet I made.
Just like a downswing, a heater doesn’t have a very specific definition, but it is a period during which a player is winning more than their real win rate dictates. During such periods, your draws will come in more often, and your hands will held up more frequently.
It’s a great feeling to be on a heater or an upswing, but don’t let this feeling get to your head because it can end very abruptly. You should always try to play the best poker strategy you know how to, whether you feel you’re on a heater or on a downswing.
