If we look at wikipedia, we will see that bad beat in poker refers to a hand which is not as good as the ones you are currently holding. It is a result of a good hand losing to a weaker one, or an unexpected change of results. The term is commonly used in sports betting and, to a certain degree, in poker tournament.
A bad beat can happen in any game. Some players get upset and tense, while others take it in stride. Fortunately, there are steps to help you overcome the emotional pitfalls of a bad beat.
Firstly, try to understand why you are getting a bad beat. This can make a difference in the outcome of your game. For example, if you are on a deep live cash game, a bad beat can be much worse than a simple loss in a tournament. In such games, your bankroll size is crucial. If you do not have enough money to sustain you through a few bad hands, you should fold or re-enter later.
Second, do not focus on the bad beat itself. A bad beat is a part of the game and it is important to move on. Replaying a bad beat scene can lead to out-of-character bets, raises, and other actions which could detract from your winnings. When you get a bad beat, you should not play in the same game, but walk away and wait for another chance to win.
Finally, make sure to focus on what you were able to accomplish during your hand. You might not have been able to win the pot, but you probably played a great hand.
The best way to avoid a bad beat is to avoid playing weak starting hands. For instance, you might have thought that a pocket ten was a very strong hand, but if your opponent has a pair of Aces and a King, you could be in trouble. To make up for this mistake, you can choose to bet on a drawing hand with your pocket aces on the river. But, this is not a good move.
There are many different bad beats to look out for. The runner-runner is the most common. In this case, the winner takes all event happens to the player who is ahead on the flop and the turn. They then catch an odd straight or a running flush to win the hand.
Another example is the four-of-a-kind. Four-of-a-kind is an impressive feat, but it is not always a smart decision. Your opponent might have a royal flush, or a better quad. Be prepared to fold or even go all in if you think you are able to get the best out of your hand.
Lastly, there is a good chance that you will experience a bad beat. This is especially true if you are not playing your hand with a good strategy. Make the most of the opportunity, but remember to bet on the right hands at the right time.