“Variance” in poker refers to random changes in the results of the game, which may occur due to the impact of short-term luck. In poker, like in many other games of chance, variance is an integral part of the process and may influence your results in both the short and long term.

Here’s how variance can manifest in poker:

Wins and losses: Even if you are a good player and make the right decisions, luck can work both for you and against you. As a result, you can win many hands in a row or, conversely, suffer a series of losses.

Large fluctuations in the pot: Due to variance, your pot (the number of chips you have) may change significantly in short periods of time. You can win a large pot in one hand and lose it in the next.

Emotional impact: Variance may induce emotional reactions in players, such as joy upon winning and disappointment upon losing. Managing your emotions and knowing how to remain emotionally stable are key factors of a successful poker game.

Long game: In a long game (with a large number of hands), variance may become less pronounced, and your result will be closer to the expected value based on the quality of your decisions. However, in a short game, variance may be more noticeable.

To reduce the effect of variance, many players practice disciplined bankroll management (management of finances) to allow them to endure longer periods of good or bad luck. Moreover, it is important to evaluate your decisions in poker not only based on your results but on the quality of the decisions you make, as good-quality play in the long term will lead to success, regardless of short-term fluctuations.