13 Sep 2025 Beginner This material is for beginner players exploit value bet The Zeebo Theorem is one of the simplest poker theorems, but also one of the most profitable. It first appeared in 2006 on poker forums, and what makes it remarkable is that it is still highly relevant today. More than 15 years later, players at every level continue to apply it, and it continues to save money, win pots, and influence decisions at the table. The theorem states: No player is capable of folding a full house, regardless of the street or the bet size. At first glance, this seems obvious. But when we look deeper, we see just how powerful this idea really is. Who Is Zeebo? The theorem is named after Captain Zeebo, also known as Greg Lavery, an online poker player who was active in high-stakes games. He posted under the nickname “captZEEbo” and became famous for this simple but powerful idea. Why the Zeebo Theorem Still Matters AND Works Yes, the Zeebo Theorem is still very effective today. Out of all the poker theorems you can learn, this is probably the most useful and the easiest to apply. It has been true for nearly two decades, and it will continue to be true because of human psychology and the way players think about strong hands. There are a few simple reasons: A full house is an extremely strong hand. Full houses are rare. Most players do not get to see them often. Because of this, players almost never fold them. Think about your own experience. How many times have you had a full house in Texas Hold’em and seriously considered folding it? In most cases, even when you felt uncomfortable, folding did not feel like an option. Players convince themselves that maybe their opponent is bluffing, or that their own full house is good enough. Even when the full house is weak, most players still call, even if they do not feel happy about it. This is exactly why the theorem works — the emotional attachment to a full house is simply too strong. How to Use the Zeebo Theorem Now that you know the principle, you can adjust your play in two clear ways: Do not try to bluff someone off a full house. It will not work, and you will lose money. If you have a stronger hand than your opponent’s full house, put as much money in the pot as possible. It is that simple. When you know your opponent cannot fold, you want to value bet and build the pot. Example of the Zeebo Theorem Your hand: Board: Opponent’s hand: You suspect they hold . In this situation, your opponent has a full house (queens full of aces). You have a stronger full house (aces full of queens). What should you do? According to the Zeebo Theorem, your opponent is not folding. Even though their hand is weaker, they will convince themselves you could be bluffing. For this reason, you should never slow play. You should try to put as much money in the pot as possible, because they will call anyway. Exceptions to the Zeebo Theorem The theorem is true in almost all cases, but there are rare exceptions. For example, in very high-stakes games, against extremely tight and disciplined players, you might sometimes see a fold. For the vast majority of players and games, the theorem holds perfectly: if someone has a full house, they are not folding. Conclusion The Zeebo Theorem is probably the most practical of all poker theorems. It is simple, easy to remember, and very profitable when applied correctly. Do not waste chips trying to bluff someone off a full house. When you have the stronger hand, get maximum value. If there is one poker theorem you should keep in mind every time you play, it is this one. The next time you find yourself in a spot where your opponent clearly has a full house, remember: they are not folding.
