Ultimate Poker Glossary: Understand Poker Terms & Slang Like a Pro
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just stepping into the world of poker, knowing the language of the game is key to improving your skills. Below we have compiled a comprehensive list of the 500+ most common and lesser-known poker terms, so that you can get familiar with the poker lingo.
Let’s dive in and start building your poker vocabulary so you can bring your A-game to the table!
A
A-Game
Playing at your peak performance level. In poker, this often means making optimal decisions based on your skill, focus, and emotional control.
ABC Poker
A straightforward, low-risk poker playing style, usually involving playing solid starting hands and rarely bluffing. This style is often used by beginners or in lower-stakes games but can be predictable against skilled players.
Ace
The highest-ranking card, but it can also be used as the lowest card in straights (e.g., A-2-3-4-5, known as a "wheel"). Aces are the most versatile cards in poker, and they’re generally seen as the most powerful in Texas Hold'em.
Ace-High
A hand that contains an ace but no pairs, straights, or flushes. For example, if the board reads 10-9-8-5-2, and you hold A-Q, your hand would be ace-high.
Ace in the Hole
A term indicating that one of the hole cards is an ace.
Ace-to-Five, Ace-to-Six
Techniques for determining low hands; pertinent in lowball variations.
Aces Up
A hand that consists of two pairs, one of which is aces. For example, A-A-5-5-2.
Act
To take the required action in a betting round by checking, betting, calling, raising, or folding.
Acting Out of Turn
When a player acts before it's their designated turn, potentially to gather information.
Action
Refers to betting or raising opportunities. For example, "There's a lot of action on this hand" means that many players are involved and making bets. A game with "lots of action" is one where there are frequent bets and raises, keeping the pot large.
Action Button
A marker used in certain games to denote a player required to post an additional forced bet.
Action Card
A community card in poker that dramatically influences betting as it improves the hands of multiple players.
Action Only
A situation where players can call but not raise when faced with certain bet amounts.
Active Players
Those still engaged in the pot, sometimes referred to as hero and villain in hand histories.
Add-On
In live games, purchasing additional chips before being eliminated; in poker tournaments, a rebuy option for all participants.
Advertise
Deliberately showing a hand to give opponents false information. For example, showing a bluff to make them think you bluff often, in hopes they'll call when you have a strong hand.
Advertising
When a player makes their actions obvious to influence opponents' perceptions about their play style.
Aggressive, Aggression
A play style where a player favors betting or raising rather than checking or calling.
Aggression Factor (AF)
A quantifiable measure of a player’s aggressive behavior in betting rounds.
Air
A term for a weak hand in poker; in lowball, it describes a situation where a player indicates they intend to draw cards.
All-In
The action of betting all of one's chips during a hand.
Angle
A strategy that, while allowed, treads on ethical lines in poker.
Angle Shooting
The intentional use of an unfair tactic to exploit an opponent.
Ante
A compulsory bet made by all players prior to starting a hand in certain poker variants.
Ante Off
Forcing an absent player in a tournament to continue posting antes and blinds to maintain fairness.
Any Two Cards
A phrase in Texas hold'em implying that the specific cards held are irrelevant to a decision.
B
Back in
To enter a pot by just calling an open bet without raising.
Back into
To take down a pot with a hand that would have been a fold against a bet.
Backdoor
Completing a drawing hand with both the turn and river. For example, if you have A♦ K♦ and the flop shows 7♦ 10♣ 5♣, you could backdoor a flush by hitting two more diamonds on the turn and river.
Backraise
Making a re-raise after originally calling in the same betting round.
Bad Beat
When a statistically strong hand loses to a hand that was an extreme underdog. For example, holding pocket aces against a weaker hand like 7-2, but the 7-2 catches two pairs or a straight to win the pot.
Balance
The strategic approach of playing various hands consistently to obscure a player's actual hand strength.
Bank
Refers to the house or dealer in charge of chip distribution and payout.
Bankroll
The total money a player has allocated for playing poker.
Bankroll Management
The practice of selecting appropriate stakes and games to preserve one's bankroll during losses.
Barreling
Continuing to bet in subsequent rounds after leading the initial betting round.
Behind
A state where a player does not currently hold the best hand.
Bet
Any amount wagered during a hand's play, or specifically, the initial wager in a betting round.
Betting Structure
The comprehensive rules regarding forced bets, limits, and raising protocols for a game.
Big Bet
The larger of two betting amounts in a fixed limit game.
Big Blind
A mandatory bet made by the player two seats to the left of the dealer in Hold'em and Omaha. This bet ensures there is money in the pot at the start of the hand.
Big Blind Special
A hand won by the big blind with a weak hand due to no preflop raises.
Big Full
The strongest full house possible in community card games.
Big Stack
A larger than usual stack of chips in relation to the game stakes; often termed deep stack.
Blank
A community card that offers no utility; comparison with terms like brick or bomb.
Blaze
A rare hand made of five face cards, exceeding a flush in rank.
Bleed
The persistent loss of chips, often due to poor decisions or emotional strain.
Blind
A forced bet in certain poker variants, contributing to the pot before play begins.
Blind Defense
Executing a call or raise from the big blind against an aggressive opponent.
Blind Steal
A strategic raise in late position intended to win the poker blinds uncontested.
Blind Stud
A game variant where all cards are dealt face down.
Blocking Bet
A strategically small bet made to deter larger wagers from opponents.
Bluff
Betting or raising with a hand that has little or no chance of winning, in hopes of getting your opponents to fold better hands. For example, betting with 3♠ 4♠ on a board of A♦ K♦ Q♥ in hopes of making opponents fold.
Bluff Catcher
A hand primarily designed to defeat bluffs.
Board
The community cards dealt face-up in the center of the table that all players can use to make their hands. In Texas Hold'em, the board consists of the flop, turn, and river.
Boat
Another term for a full house, indicating a strong hand.
Bomb Pot
A hand where all players contribute a predetermined bet amount before the cards are dealt.
Both Ways
A situation involving both halves of a split pot, typically asserted by a player who believes they will win both the high and low portions.
Bottom Dealing
A deceptive practice where cards are dealt from the bottom of the deck rather than the top, often considered cheating.
Bottom End
The lowest possible straight in community card games, sometimes referred to as the idiot end.
Bottom Pair/Bottom Set
A hand formed by pairing a player's hole card with the lowest-ranking community card on the board.
Bounty
A feature of certain tournaments granting players a cash prize for eliminating opponents.
Box
The chip tray designated for the dealer, encompassing their position at the table.
Boxed Card
A card that appears face-up in the deck during dealing, usually treated as a non-existent card.
Break
The act of discarding cards to improve a hand in draw poker; also used to signify the end of a play session.
Brick
A low-value card, often referred to derogatorily as undesirable or useless.
Brick and Mortar
Refers to physical casinos as opposed to online poker environments.
Bridge Order
The hierarchy assigned to suits when determining dealer positions or betting order based on traditional card order: spades over hearts, hearts over diamonds, and diamonds over clubs.
Bring In
A required bet in the first round of stud games, usually imposed on the player with the worst visible card.
Broadway
A term for a straight containing the ten, jack, queen, king, and ace.
Brush
A casino employee responsible for greeting players, managing waitlists, and ensuring table readiness.
Brunson
In Texas Hold'em, a hand consisting of a 10 and a 2, historically significant due to Doyle Brunson's winnings with this hand.
Bubble
The point in a tournament where only one or a few players must be eliminated before everyone remaining wins a prize. The "bubble" player is the one who finishes just outside the money.
Bubble Factor
The disparity between chip value and monetary value, impacting players’ decisions during late tournament stages.
Buck
A marker indicating the dealer position at the table, commonly referred to as the button.
Bug
A limited wild card utilised in some poker variations.
Bully
A player who frequently raises with the aim of intimidating opponents into folding.
Burn Card
A card discarded to prevent cheating, taken from the top of the deck before the community cards are revealed.
Busted
Refers to a hand that has not completed; also indicates a player who has lost all their chips.
Button
Typically a marker denoting the dealer position; players act based on this position in turn order.
Buy-In
The monetary amount players must pay to enter a cash game or tournament.
Buy Short
To enter a game with a smaller-than-normal buy-in.
Buy the Button
A practice allowing a new player seated with the button to pay blinds and play their first hand immediately.
C
Call
To match a bet or raise as part of the betting action.
Call the Clock
A measure to expedite decision-making by imposing a time limit on a player’s action.
Calling Station
A player who frequently calls but rarely raises bets; typically characterised as passive.
Cap
The maximum number of raises allowed in a betting round. In limit poker, this is typically three or four raises.
Cap Game
A variation in which players can bet but the total bet has a limit.
Card Protector
An object used to cover a player's cards to prevent accidental folding.
Cards
Refers to the standard playing cards utilised in poker; casinos often use specialised plastic cards.
Cards Speak
A phrase indicating that the cards held by players determine the outcome without needing verbal confirmation.
Case Card
The last remaining card of a specific rank available in the deck.
Cash Game
A poker variant played for real money, as opposed to tournament formats.
Cash Plays
An announcement that allows a player to use cash for betting before acquiring chips.
Cashing
Winning and collecting a share of prize money in a tournament.
Cashing Out
Exchanging chips for cash upon leaving a game.
Catch
Successfully receiving required cards on a draw.
Catch Up
Completing a draw to surpass an opponent's hand.
Check
To refrain from betting or to indicate no wager.
Check Out
Referring to a player folding during their turn when no bet is currently facing them.
Check-Raise
A deceptive play where a player checks first with the intention of raising after an opponent bets.
Chip
A token used in place of real money in poker games.
Chip Declare
A method for indicating playing intent in split-pot games.
Chip Dumping
A strategy where a player intentionally loses chips to another in collusive scenarios.
Chip Leader
The player currently possessing the largest stack of chips in a tournament or cash game.
Chip Race
An event in tournaments where lower denomination chips are removed from play, often to simplify the chip distribution.
Chip Up
To exchange lower-denomination chips for higher ones or the act of accumulating chips in a tournament.
Chop
To divide a pot between players due to a tie or mutual agreement; can refer to a quick cash-out of a session.
Chopping the Blinds
When all players fold to the blinds, returning the blind bets to those who posted them.
Click Raise
Making the minimum raise, often using online poker mechanics.
Closed
A status indicating a game or table that is not currently accepting new players.
Coffee Housing
The act of talking during play to mislead opponents about the strength of one’s hand.
Coin Flip
A situation where two players have roughly equal chances of winning, often referring to a matchup of hands.
Cold Call
Calling a bet after there has already been a raise and one or more callers. For example, if player A raises, player B calls, and then you call, that’s a cold call.
Cold Deck
A pre-arranged deck intended to produce a specific outcome, often involved in cheating scenarios.
Collusion
An unethical alliance between two or more players working together to deceive others at the table.
Color Change, Color Up
Exchanging small-denomination chips for larger ones to consolidate the stack.
Combo, Combination Game
A table where multiple poker variants are played in rotation.
Combo Draw
A hand that has both a straight draw and a flush draw available.
Come Bet, On the Come
A wager made with a drawing hand, anticipating improvements in future rounds.
Community Card
Cards that are dealt face up in the center of the table for all players to use in combination with their hole cards.
Complete Hand
A hand that does not require further improvement to win a showdown.
Completion
Raising a smaller bet to a full standard bet in certain situations, typically in games with a bring-in.
Connectors
Cards that are consecutively ranked, such as a 5 and 6.
Continuation Bet (C-Bet)
A bet made by the pre-flop aggressor on the flop, regardless of whether the flop improved their hand.
Cooler
A situation where a player with a strong hand loses to an even stronger hand, where folding would be extremely difficult. For example, having a full house but losing to a higher full house.
Countdown
The act of counting remaining cards to ensure a full deck is being used, usually done by a dealer.
Counterfeit
An occurrence where a player's hand that was once strong becomes weaker due to new community cards.
Cow
A shared agreement where players play a buy-in with the intention of splitting results.
Crack
To beat a strong hand, especially pocket aces. For example, if you hold 7-8 and your opponent has pocket aces, but the board gives you a straight, you’ve "cracked" their aces.
Cripple
To reduce the potential hand strength of opponents, making it nearly impossible for them to compete.
Crying Call
Making a call despite believing one does not have the best hand, usually for pot odds reasons.
Cut
Indicating that the deck should be split, typically at a designated point, before dealing.
Cut Card
A colored plastic card used during dealing to obscure the bottom card.
Cutoff
The position directly to the right of the dealer button, online and live poker often referring to it as a strategically advantageous seat.
D
Dark
Taking an action without the benefit of seeing the current action or cards.
Dead Blind
A blind that does not allow the player to raise if there is merely a call.
Dead Button
Situations where a player not in the game is assigned the dealer button.
Dead Hand
A hand that is disqualified from play for reasons such as being fouled or improperly dealt.
Dead Man's Hand
Traditionally refers to a two pair consisting of aces and eights.
Dead Money
Money in the pot contributed by players no longer in contention for that pot.
Deal
The distribution of cards to players according to the game's rules.
Dealer
The individual responsible for distributing cards and maintaining the flow of the game.
Dealer's Choice
A game form where the dealer may select the variant played for each hand.
Declare
To verbally state an intention or action during the game.
Deep Stack
A relative measure indicating a larger-than-average stack of chips in play.
Defense
A strategic play intended to protect against a suspected bluff or aggressive play.
Deuce
A card bearing the rank of two.
Deuce-to-Seven
A method for evaluating low hands in certain variations like lowball.
Dirty Stack
A stack that appears uniform but has different chip denominations mixed in.
Discard
To remove cards from play after the deal, usually done in draw games.
Dog
A term denoting an underdog in a match, often referring to a hand with lower odds of winning.
Dominated Hand
A hand that is at a significant disadvantage against another specific hand.
Donk Bet
When a player who wasn’t the pre-flop aggressor leads out with a bet on the flop. This move is often seen as unconventional and sometimes weak.
Donkey
A slang term for a poor player, often implying bad decision-making.
Door Card
The first face-up card dealt to a player in stud poker or the initial community card in Texas hold’em.
Double-Ace Flush
A flush containing wild cards that can be treated as aces, under specific house rules.
Double Barrel
The act of betting on both the turn and the river after leading with a bet on the flop.
Double Belly Buster Straight Draw
A hand situation in which there are two potential ranks that could complete a straight.
Double Board, Double Flop
Variants where two separate community boards are dealt simultaneously.
Double Draw
A type of draw game where players can draw for cards multiple times.
Double Raise
A tactical raise in no-limit or pot-limit games typically equating to the minimum raise.
Double Suited
An Omaha hand featuring two different pairs of suited cards.
Double Up, Double Through
Betting all your chips against one opponent and winning, thereby doubling your stack.
Downbet
Betting less than the previous amount wagered.
Downcard
A card dealt face-down, hidden from view.
Downswing
A period where a player experiences losses beyond what is statistically expected.
Drag Light
An illegal act of pulling chips away from a pot but not covering a bet if the hand loses.
Draw, Drawing Hand, Come Hand
A hand having potential to improve to a stronger hand via future draws.
Drawing Dead
When a player cannot win the hand, regardless of which cards come next. For example, if one player has a full house and the other has only a pair, the player with the pair is "drawing dead."
Drawing Live
The ability to complete a drawing hand that can win against opponents.
Drawing Thin
Chasing a draw with poor odds of completing it.
Drop
To fold one’s hand.
Dry Ace
An isolated ace that lacks support from cards in the same suit, affecting its usefulness.
Dry Board
A board with few potential straight or flush draws. For example, a flop of 9♠ 2♣ K♦ is considered dry because it doesn’t offer many drawing possibilities.
Dry Pot
A pot created from an all-in situation without subsequent betting.
Duplicate
Referring to the counterfeiting of cards or hands.
Dynamic Board
A community board rich in drawing possibilities, threatening hand values to change.
E
Early Position
Playing position directly left of the blinds, having to act first in betting rounds.
Effective Nuts
A hand perceived as likely the strongest possible in a given situation.
Effective Stack
The smallest stack size among active players in a pot, determining max potential loss for each.
Eight or Better
A qualifier for low hands in high-low split games where the highest card is an eight or lower.
Equity
The percentage chance a player has to win the hand at any given point. For example, if you have a flush draw with one card to come and your opponent has a pair, your equity might be around 20%.
Expectation, Expected Value, EV
The anticipated profitability over the long term for poker decisions.
Exploitative Play
A poker strategy that focuses on taking advantage of opponents' tendencies. For example, if a player always folds to large bets, an exploitative strategy would be to bluff often against them.
Extra Blind
A forced bet a player must make when they return to the game after missing the blinds.
Exposed Card
A card accidentally revealed to other players and subject to specific house rules affecting gameplay.
F
Family Pot
A hand where nearly every player at the table calls before the flop.
Fast
A play style characterised by aggressive betting and raises.
Fast Play
Betting and raising aggressively with a strong hand to build the pot. For example, betting and raising immediately with a set rather than slow playing.
Favourite
A term for a hand with statistical superiority over another at showdown.
Feeder
A secondary table providing players to the main action as others are eliminated.
Feeler Bet
A small bet made to gauge an opponent's hand strength. For example, betting a small amount on the flop with a marginal hand to see how your opponent reacts.
Felt
The fabric covering the surface of a poker table, often referred to synonymously with the table itself.
Field
Referring to all participants collectively in a tournament setting.
Fifth Street
The final community card dealt in games like Texas hold'em, known as the river.
Fill, Fill Up
Successfully drawing to complete a hand needing one card for a straight, flush, or full house.
Final Table
The last table remaining in a multi-table tournament, determining top finishers.
First Position
The player who acts first in the betting round, usually directly left of the blinds.
Fish
A weak player susceptible to losing due to poor decision-making.
Five of a Kind
A hand resulting from using wild cards to create five cards of the same rank.
Fixed Limit, Flat Limit
Set betting limits in poker variations where the amount one can wager is predetermined.
Flash
Showing or exposing cards by accident during the dealing process.
Flat Call
Calling a bet when a raise is expected, indicating a strong hand without aggressive play.
Float
Calling a bet with the intention of bluffing on a future round.
Floorman
A casino employee responsible for overseeing games and resolving disputes.
Flop
The dealing of the first three community cards in Texas hold'em or Omaha.
Flop Game
A community card poker format.
Flush
A hand consisting of five cards of the same suit.
Fold
The action of discarding one's cards to forfeit the pot.
Fold Equity
The value derived from betting to induce opponents to fold rather than risk going to showdown.
Forced Bet
A bet made compulsory by the rules of the game, ensuring action on the table.
Forced Move
A designated requirement where a player must move to another table due to player balancing policies.
Forward Motion
A house rule indicating commitment to a bet based on hand movement toward the pot.
Fouled Hand
A hand ruled out of play due to an irregularity like insufficient or incorrect cards.
Four-Flush
Having four cards of the same suit, often incomplete for drawing a flush.
Four of a Kind (Quads)
A powerful hand consisting of four cards of equal rank.
Four-Straight
Four cards in consecutive rank order, referred to as an incomplete drawing hand.
Fourth Street
The fourth community card dealt in games such as Texas hold'em.
Free Card
A card dealt without a bet required in the preceding round, allowing for free improvement.
Freeroll
A scenario where a player plays without any cost or risk, often needing to complete a bet for a pot.
Freezeout
A tournament format where no rebuys are allowed; play continues until only one player has all chips.
Full Bet Rule
The requirement for a player to wager the full amount to qualify as a raise.
Full House
A hand made up of three cards of one rank and two cards of another.
Full Ring
A cash game involving more than six players, generally nine to eleven.
G
Game Flow
The evolution of play strategies and dynamics at the table over time.
Gap Hand
A starting hand with one or more ranks separating the two cards, referenced as one-gap or two-gap.
Get Away
The decision to fold a strong hand against suspected superior opposition.
Going North
Illegally adding chips to one’s stack outside of regulated buy-ins.
Going South
Illegally pocketing chips from the table while actively participating in the game.
Grinder
A player focused on consistent, small wins over time rather than high-variance strategies.
Guts
Refers to a no-opening-hand requirement game format or several variants where pots accumulate before winning.
Gutshot
An inside straight draw, where only one specific card can complete the straight. For example, holding 5-6 on a board of 4-7-9, you need an 8 to complete the straight.
Gypsy
Entering the pot with a call rather than a raise, often to see the flop cheaply.
H
Half Bet Rule
A rule stating that half of the normal bet amount can indicate a commitment to raise.
Hand
A combination of cards held by a player; also, the term used to define the strength of those cards.
Hand-for-Hand
A practice during tournaments to synchronise the number of active hands played across tables.
Hand History
The documented recounting or analysis of a previously played hand.
Hanger
A tell signified by the bottom card of the deck protruding during dealing, indicating a potential cheat.
Heads Up
Heads up poker is a format of play involving only two players contesting against each other.
Heater
A period of significant winnings, often termed a winning streak.
Hero
The player being focused on in a hand history recount, often described from their perspective.
Hero Call
Calling a large bet with a marginal hand, believing your opponent is bluffing. For example, calling an all-in with only bottom pair because you believe your opponent has missed their draw.
High Card
The ranking given to hands that do not contain any pairs, determined by the highest-valued card.
High Hand
The best hand determined by traditional values, contrasting with low hands in split formats.
High-Low, High-Low Split
A game variation where half the pot is awarded to the best high hand and half to the best low hand.
Hijack Seat
The position to the right of the cutoff, known for its strategic advantages.
Hit and Run
Cashing out shortly after winning a substantial pot, often viewed unfavorably by peers.
Hole Cards
The face-down cards dealt to a player, also referred to as pocket cards.
Hole Cam
A camera that displays players’ hole cards for audience viewing.
Hollywood
An exaggerated display of emotion or speech to manipulate opponents during a hand.
Home Game
A poker game set up in a private residence, distinct from a public cardroom or casino.
Horse
A player who is financially supported by another individual to participate in games.
H.O.R.S.E.
A mixed variant of poker that includes multiple games in rotation: Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Eight-or-better.
I
ICM (Independent Chip Model)
A method used to calculate the value of a player’s chip stack in a tournament, based on the remaining prize pool.
Ignorant End, Idiot End
Referring to a specific type of vulnerable drawing hand in a community card game.
Implied Odds
The potential future winnings you expect if you hit your hand. For example, calling a small bet with a flush draw, hoping to win a large bet if you complete the flush on the river.
Implied Pot Odds
The potential future winnings one might gain from betting, beyond just the current pot.
Improve
To enhance a hand either through drawing or exchanging cards.
In Position
Acting after most players in a betting round, typically in a strategic advantage.
In the Middle
A scenario where an incoming player is permitted to post blinds out of their usual order.
In the Money
Qualifying to win a prize in a tournament based on final standings.
In Turn
A player who is expected to act next in accordance with the betting rules.
Inside Straight
A straight completed by drawing a specific inner card; also known as a gutshot.
Insurance
An agreement among players to share risk in a pot instead of playing it to completion.
Irregular Declaration
An ambiguous action by the player that can be interpreted as an intended move.
Irregularity
Any abnormal event in play that requires corrective measures (e.g., exposed cards).
Isolation
The strategy of raising to limit opponents' entries into a pot for a stronger chance of winning.
J
Jackpot
A special prize awarded in some cash games or tournaments for hitting a particular hand, such as a bad beat or a royal flush.
Joker
A wild card used in some variants of poker, often treating it as an ace or specific completing card.
Juice
The rake or the commission taken by the house; also referred to as vigorish.
Junk
A hand composed of low-valued cards with little chance of winning.
K
Kicker
An additional card that can influence the rank of a hand when players have similar hands.
Kill Button
A marker indicating which player holds the obligation to make a kill bet in a kill game.
Kill Game
A variant with escalated bets and special rules.
Kill Hand
A hand involving different betting rules associated with a kill game.
Kill Pot
A pot where the stakes are temporarily raised after a player wins consecutive hands, often seen in limit games.
Kitty
A communal pool of small contributions, often used to purchase refreshments or cards in a home game.
L
Lag
A loose-aggressive player who plays many hands with numerous small raises.
Lammer
A token indicating a dealer position or variant type in a poker game.
Last to Act
A player who acts last in a betting round when all others have folded.
Laydown
The decision to fold a strong hand when anticipating stronger opposition.
Lead
The player initiating betting within a round.
Level
The structured increments of increasing blind amounts in a tournament setting.
Leg-Up
A marker showing the player who won the preceding hand in certain game formats.
Light
Referring to a hand perceived to have low likelihood of besting the current situational hand.
Limit
The established minimum or maximum betting amounts for a specific game type.
Limp
Entering the pot by calling the big blind rather than raising.
Limp, Limp In
To enter a pot by merely calling a bet rather than raising.
Limp-Reraise
To raise after having just limped in before.
Live Bet
A bet placed that keeps the option to raise open for the bettor.
Live Cards
Cards that could still improve a hand and are likely still available in the deck.
Live Game
A game characterised by substantial action or frequent betting.
Live Hand
A hand still in the running for winning the pot; meets game requirements and hasn’t been folded.
Live Poker
Traditional poker played at a physical table as opposed to video or online formats.
Lock
A hand that is guaranteed to win. For example, having the nuts on the river means your hand is a lock.
Lock Up
To secure a seat in cash games or tournaments by placing an item on the table to signify occupancy.
Loose
To play more hands than average for the player's position or game type.
Low
The lowest-ranking card; can also refer to the low half of a high-low split pot.
M
M-Ratio
A measurement representing a player's chip stack health concerning blind costs.
Made Hand
A completed hand not reliant on further draws to win.
Maniac
A player who plays extremely aggressively, betting and raising constantly, often without strong hands.
Mark
A novice or inexperienced player targeted for profit by more skilled players.
Match the Pot
To bet an amount equal to the total chips currently in the pot.
Micro-Limit
Online games featuring extremely low stakes, often unprofitable for brick-and-mortar operations.
Middle Pair
A pair that ranks neither as the highest nor lowest among community cards.
Middle Position
A seat at the table that allows for strategic play with some predictability.
Misdeal
An improperly dealt hand requiring redealing.
Missed Blind
Failing to post required blinds due to absence or negligence.
Monster
A very strong hand that has a high chance of winning.
Move In
To go all-in in a no-limit betting format.
Muck
To discard or fold your cards without showing them to the table.
Multi-Table Tournament (MTT)
A large-scale tournament format with multiple tables.
Multi-Way Pot
A pot contested by numerous players, offering various strategies for winning.
N
Negative Freeroll
The opportunity to win without risking money but with significant potential losses.
Nit
A player overly cautious or risk-averse, only engaging with premium hands.
Nit
A very tight player who only plays premium hands.
No Limit
A betting format that permits players to wager any or all of their chips at any time.
Nosebleed Stakes
The highest betting limits in cash games, often characterised by significant blinds.
Nothing
A term highlighting a player whose potential hand offers no strength beyond high card.
Nothing Card
A community card that fails to improve any player's hand value.
Nuts
The best possible hand given the board.
Nut Hand (The Nuts)
The best available hand possible in any given situation.
Nut Low
The best qualifying low hand in high-low split games.
O
Offsuit
Cards of different suits.
One-Chip Rule
A guiding principle dictating that a higher denomination chip used to call is a call unless specified as a raise.
One-Eyed Royals
A specific set of face cards (jack of hearts and spades, queen of hearts and diamonds) in poker.
One-Ended Straight Draw
A straight draw requiring only one specific card to complete, with limited potential for higher hands.
One-Gap
A hand where the two hole cards are separated by one rank.
On the Button
The advantageous dealer position, operating after all players except the blinds.
Open
To start a round of betting by making the first wager.
Open-Ended Straight Draw
A straight draw that can complete with two possible card values.
Openers
Cards that qualify for an opening bet in specific game formats, indicating strength.
Open Limp
Being the first player to call the big blind without raising.
Option
A discretionary right to raise, typically applied in blind structures.
Orbit
One complete rotation of betting, representing each player's turn in turn order.
Out of Position
A player is in a position where they must act before the majority or final players in the round.
Outs
Cards remaining in the deck that can improve a hand or complete a desired draw.
Outside Straight Draw
A potential straight that can be completed by either of two different ranks, maximising potential for winning.
Overbet
A wager greater than the current size of the pot in a no-limit game.
Overcall
The act of calling a previously accepted bet after others have participated.
Overcard
A community card ranked higher than a player's pocket card.
Overpair
A pocket pair that surpasses the highest community card in play.
Overs
An option allowing for increased stakes during limit games.
P
Paint
A term used to denote face cards (King, Queen, Jack).
Pair
Two cards of the same rank, typically regarded as a significant hand.
Passive
A playing style focusing on checking and calling rather than aggressive betting.
Pat
A hand that is already strong without requiring any further cards to improve.
Pay Off
To call a bet when likely holding a weak hand, but justified by pot odds.
Penny Ante
Referring to low-stakes games played with minimal betting.
Perfect
The ideal cards one can achieve in a lowball scenario.
Pick-Up
When the house collects cash from a dealer after a player buys in.
Play the Board
When a player’s best hand is solely based on community cards without using hole cards.
Pocket Aces
The strongest starting hand in Texas hold'em, consisting of two aces.
Pocket Cards
The face-down cards held by a player, also known as hole cards.
Pocket Pair
A pair dealt to you as your hole cards. For example, if you are dealt 9♠ 9♥, you have a pocket pair of nines.
Pocket Pair
When a player holds two cards of the same rank in their starting hand.
Poker Face
A neutral expression used to conceal a player's emotions or intentions.
Poker Table
The designated surface used for playing poker, typically padded for ease of use.
Polarised
A player's range is heavily weighted toward strong hands and bluffs.
Position
The order in which players act; greatly influences betting strategy.
Position Bet
A wager influenced by the strength of one's poker table position rather than the actual hand held.
Post
To place the required blinds or antes at the start of a round.
Post Dead
To make a combined bet that covers small and big blinds when entering the game.
Postflop
The stages of the hand after the flop has been dealt, including the turn and river.
Pot
The total amount of chips or money bet in a single hand.
Pot-Committed
The condition of not being able to fold due to the size of the pot relative to their remaining chips.
Pot-Limit
Games where bets and raises are only allowed up to the current size of the pot.
Pot Odds
The ratio of the current size of the pot to the cost of a contemplated call.
Pot Sweetener
A nominal bet designed to increase the total pot value without necessarily forcing opponents out.
Pre-Flop
The phase of play before the first three community cards are dealt.
Probe Bet
A bet made after the flop by a player who didn’t initiate the action pre-flop.
Prop, Proposition Player
A player who receives compensation from a casino to start and maintain action in poker games.
Protected Pot
A pot considered difficult to bluff due to the number of players still remaining.
Protection
Strategic actions taken to safeguard a player's investment or position in a hand.
Push
To go all-in with the entirety of one’s chips.
Purse
The total prize money available in a poker tournament.
Put the Clock (on Someone)
Calling for a seller's decision time limit to avoid excessive delays.
Put On
Deducing an opponent's possible hand range based on their actions and style of play.
Q
Quads
Four of a kind. For example, if you hold 7♠ 7♥ and the board is 7♦ 7♣ 9♠ K♦ Q♠, you have quads (four sevens).
Quads
Four cards of the same rank, also referred to as four of a kind.
Quartered
Winning a fractional share of a pot, typically by tying in a split-pot scenario.
R
Rabbit Hunt
Revealing remaining cards that would have been dealt had the hand continued; often not allowed in formal settings.
Raccoon
A term denoting a poor player, often targeted for profit.
Rack
A collection of poker chips or a container used to hold chips.
Race
Referring to a coin flip situation, generally between two players where outcomes are nearly equal.
Rag
A low-value card deemed ineffective for hand improvement.
Rail
The area outside the active play at a poker table where spectators gather.
Railbird
A non-participating observer watching a poker game.
Rainbow
A flop or board where no two cards are of the same suit, making it impossible for a flush to be completed.
Rainbow
A flop in which the three community cards are of different suits, lowering flush potential.
Raise
Increasing the size of an existing bet within the same round.
Rake
The portion of the pot taken by the house or casino as a fee for hosting the game.
Rake
The commission taken by the house from pots in cash games.
Rakeback
A rebate given to players based upon the amount of rake they have contributed.
Rakeback Pro
A player benefiting from rakeback offers to offset losses.
Range of Hands
The collection of potential hands a player considers their opponents might hold.
Rathole
The act of secretly removing chips from the table during an ongoing game.
Rebuy
Purchasing additional chips after an initial buy-in, often allowable in tournaments under certain conditions.
Redbird
A specific denomination of poker chip typically worth five dollars.
Redeal
The action of dealing new cards due to an error or misdeal.
Redraw
A second chance to draw cards in a draw game or to improve an existing hand.
Represent
The act of playing in a way that indicates holding a specific hand or type of hand.
Reraise
To raise after an initial raise has occurred in a betting round.
Ring Game
A non-tournament poker game where chips represent actual money. Also known as a "cash game."
Ring Game
A cash game allowing players to buy-in and leave at any time, unlike tournament structures.
River
The final community card dealt, followed by the last betting round in Texas Hold'em or Omaha.
Rock
A very tight player known for playing few hands.
Roll Your Own
A term used in seven-card stud when players can select which cards to show.
Rolled-Up Trips
Achieving three-of-a-kind from the initial three cards in stud poker.
Rounder
An expert player who actively seeks out high-stakes games to participate in.
Royal Cards
Face cards, specifically jacks, queens, and kings.
Royal Flush
The highest possible hand in poker, comprising the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten of a single suit.
Runner-Runner
Completing a hand by hitting two needed cards in succession on the turn and river.
Run It Twice
A player agreement to split remaining community cards into two separate rounds during all-in situations.
Rush
A term describing a winning streak in poker, often characterised by successful hands and pots.
S
Sandbag
To play weakly with a strong hand, misleading opponents—also referred to as slow play.
Satellite
A tournament offering entry into a larger event as a prize.
Scare Card
A card introduced into play that has the potential to significantly impact hand strengths.
Scoop
Winning both the high and low portions of a split pot.
Second Barrel
The act of betting again after betting on the flop, usually on the turn.
Second Pair
A pair formed by utilising the second-highest card on the board in a community card game.
Sell
A tactic in spread-limit poker where less than the maximum is bet despite holding a strong hand.
Semi-Bluff
A bet or raise with a hand that has potential to improve but is not currently the best.
Set
A three-of-a-kind formed by having a pocket pair and matching it with community cards.
Set-Up
An ordered deck with predetermined cards, often used for fairness in new deck introductions.
Sevens Rule
A guideline in A-5 lowball where players must bet if holding a seven-low after the draw.
Shark
A highly skilled or professional poker player.
Shill
A player employed by the house to keep action going, utilising the house's chips.
Shoe
A device used to store cards yet to be dealt, commonly employed in casinos.
Shootout
A tournament format where the last player standing at a table advances to compete against others.
Short Buy
To buy into a game for an amount smaller than the standard buy-in.
Short Stack
A player’s stack considerably smaller than others at the table.
Shorthanded
A game played with fewer than six players.
Shove
To go all-in during a hand.
Showdown
The concluding moment when remaining players reveal their hands to determine the winner.
Showdown Value
A term describing when a hand has a realistic chance of winning against an opponent’s range.
Side Game
A ring game occurring concurrently with a tournament for eliminated or opting-out players.
Side Pot
An additional pot formed when one player goes all-in while others continue to bet.
Sit and Go
A scheduled tournament starting when sufficient players buy-in, often consisting of single-or multi-table formats.
Slow Play
Misleading opponents with a strong hand by playing passively rather than aggressively.
Slow Roll
Delaying the reveal of a winning hand during showdown, generally regarded as poor etiquette.
Small Blind
The smaller of the two forced bets in games with a blind structure.
Smooched
Capturing a slightly higher hand by chance.
Smooth Call
To call a bet instead of raising; also referred to as a flat call.
Snap Call
Quickly calling a bet without hesitation, often in response to an all-in.
Snow
To play a weak hand deceptively in draw poker as a bluff.
Soft Play
Intentionally going easy on a player during a hand, often seen as collusive behavior and discouraged.
Soft Break
Exchanging denominations during a buy-in that converts part of it to cash.
Splash the Pot
Tossing chips into the pot in a disorderly manner, generally not acceptable due to dealer tracking difficulties.
Split
Refers to dividing pots; can also mean splitting openers in scenarios.
Split Two Pair
A scenario in community poker where both pairs consist of a mix of hole and community cards.
Spread
The difference between a table’s minimum and maximum betting amounts.
Spread-Limit
A limit format allowing bets and raises within a specified range.
Squeeze Play
A tight player’s attempt to bluff by reraising, often targeting several previous callers.
Stack
The total number of chips a player has in play at any given moment.
Stakes
The amount for which players enter the game and wager.
Staking
When one person funds another to play poker with agreed profit-sharing from winnings.
Stand Pat
To hold a hand without requesting additional cards in a draw poker game.
Starting Hand
The cards held by a player when play begins, instrumental in making initial betting decisions.
Static Board
A board with limited drawing possibilities, suggesting less shifting of hand values.
Steal
To raise with the goal of forcing opponents to fold, thereby winning the blinds uncontested.
Steam
A state of emotional distress, leading to poor decision-making and play.
Stop and Go
A strategic move where a player bets after being raised, intending to assert aggression.
Straddle Bet
An optional bet placed before cards are dealt, usually made by the player immediately to the left of the big blind.
Straight
A five-card hand where all cards are of sequential rank; a significant winning hand.
Straight Flush
A hand where five consecutive cards are of the same suit, one of the highest-ranking hands.
Strategy Card
A reference aid used by players to help identify optimal plays during games.
Street
Refers to an individual betting round or a card dealt.
String Bet
The act of placing multiple motions for a single bet, considered illegal in most settings.
Structured
Describes a betting system where increases or limits vary across betting rounds.
Stub
Remaining cards unused during active play in a game.
Stud
A poker variant dealing some cards face-up and others face-down.
Subscription Poker
An online format where players pay a periodic fee to participate in games.
Suck Out
Winning with a hand that was significantly behind prior to the final cards being dealt.
Suited
Referring to cards of the same suit, enhancing the potential for flushes.
Suited Connectors
Consecutive cards of the same suit, often strong starting hands in poker.
Super Satellite
A tournament offering free entry to another tournament as a prize.
T
Table Dynamics
Refers to how player strategies and interactions shift over the course of a game.
Table Stakes
A rule permitting players to bet only their current chip amount in play for any hand.
Tag
A tight-aggressive play style where players utilise a limited range of solid hands for aggressive play.
Tainted Outs
Outs that improve the player's hand but also strengthen opponents’ hands significantly.
Tank, In the Tank
Taking a prolonged period to make a decision during play.
Tell
Physical or behavioral cues indicating a player’s potential strength of hand; often exploited for informational advantage.
Texture
The coordination level of community cards; this determines relative hand strengths.
Third Man Walking
A rule stipulating that a player must return to their seat after stepping away from a cash game.
Three Bet
The action of making the third wager in a given betting round.
Three of a Kind
A hand with three cards of the same rank; frequently referred to as trips or a set.
Tight
A playstyle that involves participating in fewer hands than average.
Tilt
Emotional distress causing a player to act irrationally, often leading to poor decisions.
Timer
A mechanism tracking the time intervals for increasing blinds during tournament play.
To Go
The specific amount a player must call to remain in contention for the pot.
Toke
A tip given to dealers by winning players, often in the form of cash.
Top Kicker
The highest card used to break ties among poker hands.
Top Pair
A pair formed using a player’s hole card and the highest-ranking community card.
Top Two
Two pair with the highest two-ranked community cards.
Trap
The strategy of enticing opponents into betting more in order to maximise winnings.
Trey
A three-spot card, referring to any three in the deck.
Triple Barrel
The act of betting on the flop, turn, and river consecutively.
Trips
A three-of-a-kind that includes one card from the player’s hole cards; often referred to as a set.
Turbo
A fast-paced tournament format where blind levels increase rapidly.
Turn
The fourth community card revealed in games like Texas hold'em, follow-up to the flop.
U
Under the Gun
The player seated immediately to the left of the blinds, acting first pre-flop.
Underdog
The player with a lower probability of winning compared to an opponent.
Underfull
A full house with the three of a kind ranked lower than the pair; contrasted with big full.
Up
Used with a rank to denote a two pair where the specified card is the higher pair.
Upcard
A card dealt face-up, viewed by all players at the table.
Upswing
A period of time when a player wins more than expected, contrary to a downswing.
Up the Ante
Increasing the stakes or betting requirements in a game.
Upstairs
Referring to an increase in bets, often associated with larger amounts.
V
Value Bet
A bet made with the intention of being called, maximising potential winnings.
Variance
The statistical measure of deviation from expected results in poker.
Vigorish, Vig
The house take from bets made in games; synonymous with rake.
Villain
The term used to denote an opponent from the hero's perspective in a hand history.
VPIP (Voluntary Put Money In Pot)
An indicator of how often a player puts money into the pot, revealing play tightness.
W
Wake Up
Discovering a strong hand often after significant action has occurred in front of the player.
Walk
Situations where all players fold to the big blind, allowing the blind to win without contest.
Wash
A technique of mixing the deck to ensure thorough shuffling before cards are dealt.
Weak Ace
An ace accompanied by a low kicker, perceived as less advantageous.
Weak Player
A player easily influenced or intimidated into folding by aggressive betting.
Webcam Poker
Online poker formats incorporating video feeds for real-time player interaction.
Wet Board
A term for a community board rich in potential draws, indicating many possible strong hands.
X, Y, Z
Yo
A slang term for eleven, commonly used in lowball or other forms of poker.
Zombie
A player who continues to play despite being on a long losing streak or with very few chips. Zombies are often seen in tournaments when players cling to their remaining stack, hoping for a miracle.
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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