Definition
Card removal means known cards (your hand and the board) reduce the number of possible opponent combos and runouts.
Card removal
The effect of known cards on the probability of unknown cards.
Key points
- Equity calculations must exclude hands that conflict with known cards.
- Removal is the underlying mechanism behind blockers.
- Removal effects get stronger as more board cards are revealed.
Common misconceptions
Myth
Removal doesn’t matter in practice.
Reality
It can materially change frequencies in close spots.
Myth
Removal only applies to villain hands.
Reality
It also changes runout probabilities.
Try it in Pocket Equity
Related terms
blocker · combo · range · board-texture