How important is the river card in poker?

[EmperorTee]

The river is considered the fifth and final community card in poker. I feel it is important because it gives players one last chance to strengthen their hands.
Any other peculiar use of the river card?

 

[padrespatty]

It's main significance is that it's your last chance to win the hand. This makes it tricky to play.

 

[Bawse]

Most hands are decided on the river. I absolutely hate getting rivered, but it happens, and that's poker.

 

[EmperorTee]

Most hands are decided on the river. I absolutely hate getting rivered, but it happens, and that's poker.

That makes it a player's very last chance of winning. I can understand why you would not like getting riveted.

 

[padrespatty]

That makes it a player's very last chance of winning. I can understand why you would not like getting riveted.

Always best to take the pot down as soon as possible to avoid that river beat.