Poker Glossary
Read through the Poker Glossary before playing.
A
ABC
Someone who plays by the exact rules laid out in the game, never switches their style, and plays with the most widely accepted strategies and techniques. Alternatively, it can also be a sequence of the lowest numbered cards in a lowball game of poker.
Ace Hand
A poker hand that has no pairs can still win the game, depending on the high card it holds. An Ace Hand, which is a hand with no pairs and an Ace, beats all other hands with no high cards.
Ace in the Hole
In poker, an ace in the hole is a card that the player is not required to show. Otherwise, it is a common saying that alludes to a secret trick or advantage someone may have over another person.
"Everyone thought I was going to lose the hand, but I knew in the back of my head I had an ace in the hole, and I took it all in the end."
Ace-high Straight Flush
A royal flush poker hand, which is the highest straight flush a poker player can achieve. Card order is A,K,Q,J,10.
Ace-to-Five Lowball
A move where poker players try to make the weakest hand they can rather than the strongest. Ace is considered the low card, straights and flushes don't count. Best possible hand is 5,4,3,2,A in any suit.
Ace-to-Six Lowball
Similar to the Ace-to-Five lowball, this is a move where poker players try to make the weakest they can rather than the strongest. Ace is low, straights and flushes are high. Best possible hand is 6,4,3,2,A with no flush.
Act
Also known as a "false tell," this is a move designed in hopes of making your opponent think they have an accurate reading of your hand. A move designed to deceive, in your favor.
Active Player
In the game of poker, a player still in the game at a late stage after given the opportunity to fold, is referred to as an active player.
Add On
In tournaments, this is an opportunity to purchase additional chips at a specific time during the game. It is open to all players, unlike a re-buy.
A-Game
When a player is at the top of his game with skill, he is said to "have his A-game." Can be used as a noun or adjective.
Aggressive
A way of playing; consistently betting, raising, and increasing the bet whenever the opportunity strikes. Also, this is a term used to describe a large and potentially risky move.
All Bet
A bet offered by some casinos and poker rooms where the players may place a wager on if the dealers cards will be all the same colors. Example: all diamonds and hearts would be a 'red' bet versus an all spades and clubs be a 'black' bet.
All-in Disconnection Protection
Used in online poker rooms, a player is considered all-in if they happen to lose their internet connection to the room. The player is still eligible for the the pot up until the moment the disconnection happened. The player's chips are placed in a side pot and not wagered while they are disconnected.
Angle
A play which is sitting on the fence between legal and illegal.
Can be asked in a form of a question: What angle are you playing at?
Angle Shooter
Describing a player who intentionally uses plays and techniques that teeter on the fence within and just outside of the rules on a consistent basis.
Ante
Some card games, such as poker, require an initial bet or token wager before the cards are dealt, called an ante, from the Latin word for "before".
Aquarium
A poker room, game, or table where almost or all of the players are inexperienced or new. It is said to contain "a lot of fish."
Artist
A cheater who will hide cards for later hands or achieves an advantage due to arranging their cards by sleight of hand.
Automatic Bet
When a given player is at his/her highest advantage, this is the wager placed. A failure to place such a bet can reveal a weak hand to the other players.
Automatic Bluff
Used with a weak hand where the player is expected to be in the advantage. It is an aggressive wager designed to make other players fold. A failure to place the bet will reveal the weak hand.
Auto-Post
Used online, this is an option to contribute your ante, blinds and any other wager before the cards are dealt, automatically. This saves time, rather than doing it manually each time – it is a pre-selected option.
B
Back Into
Completing a hand by using both of the final two cards that have been dealt.
Alternatively, this is a winning hand even though the player may have had horrible cards, and all of the other players have even worse hands.
Backdoor
Used as an adjective, this is a move which is completed by using both of the final two cards the dealer gives, even if the player has more likely chances to improve his hand.
Backraise
Similar to a check-raise. The player will make the minimum contribution to the pot on the first action, while checking to see that no bet is ahead of him. If there is a bet, he will call it and increase the required wager in the second action.
Bad Beat
A situation where a hand with few outs or a negative expected value stayed in the pot and then won.
Bankroll
The money that is set aside for playing poker. Also used to describe sponsoring a player by providing funds to enter or play a tournament, usually in exchange for a pre-arranged percentage of winnings made.
Base Deal
A form of cheating; certain strong or weak cards are dealt to a chosen player from the bottom of the deck.
Baseball
A variation on the game of 7-card stud where three's and nine's are wild. If dealt a three face up, the player is required to either fold or double the pot. If dealt a four face up, the player is dealt another card.
Beat the Board
A term that can be used in both community and stud games. In community card games, this move is to make your hand of higher rank than the hand of the community cards, especially if they are in a straight or flush. In stud games, this move is to make your hand stronger than the hand of your opponents exposed cards.
Bet After the Declare
A type of high-low split game where there is no additional round of betting but the final round is postponed until after the declare has been called.
Bet Odds
Ratio of a possible bet or raise when compared to the total amount which would be added to the pot as a response to a wager placed. Only applied to one specific bet or raise at a time, a bet odd is only considering the amount currently in the pot – not what will be in the future.
Bet Out of Turn
Trying to bet, raise or re-raise when it is not your turn.
Bet the Raise
The maximum amount a player may raise or re-raise which is equal and up to twice the amount of the previous bet, raise or re-raise.
Big Blind
Blind bets in poker, the forced bets pre-flop, are not all equal. While the person in the first position in the game places a Small Blind, a lesser amount, the player in the second position is forced a Big Blind, larger in size.
Big Full
The highest possible full house – consisting of the three Aces and 2 Kings.
Bird Dog
The person responsible for new player recruitment and development. Used only in informal situations.
Black Chip
A chip or token which represents a high amount of money. Usually $100 in regular play and $1,000 in high-stakes play.
Black Chip Game
A high-stakes game in which bets usually start at $1,000 and up.
Blank
Cards that are irrelevant to the hands outcome and is expected to have no impact on play.
Blaze
A hand of only face cards. Some games consider this a complete hand; in those games it will rank above two pair and below three of a kind.
Blind Bet
A bet made in poker in which the player does not see any of the cards in his or her hand. It is also called a forced bet, taking place before cards are revealed, like an ante.
Blind Game
A game which requires a blind to be played instead of or in addition to an ante.
Bluff
An aggressive bet with the intent of causing opponents to fold, when holding a hand that has almost no chance of winning in a showdown.
Blur Intensity
The momentary sight and color of a flashed card and how it influences the player due to the color of the suit or background the player has seen or think they've seen.
Board
Collection of cards visible to all players. Also a waiting list for a seat at a table.
Bonus
Any money, chips or prizes that are separate from the pot or prizes in a tournament. Given to players who meet specific requirements.
Both Ways
Combined high and low pot in a high-low split game.
Bottom Deal
Using a card or cards from the bottom of the deck; a form of cheating when certain strong or weak cards are dealt to a specific player.
Bounty
The prize awarded to the player who knocks a specified player or group of players from a tournament.
Bounty Tournament
A tournament where a prize is awarded for knocking out specified players or a group of players.
Brick
Similar to a blank – a card which isn't expected to have an impact on the hands outcome. Also, a card that appears to help a player but actually duplicated the value of another card the player already holds.
Brick and Mortar
Any place offline – a concrete place where players are in person.
Bring In
Used in stud games; this is the mandatory opening wager, usually has a minimum amount.
Broadway
The highest possible straight. Hand A,K,Q, J, 10.
Bubble
The point in a tournament where there are more players remaining than there are finishing positions who will receive a prize.
Buck
A marker used to identify the dealer.
Bullet
Can be multiple things: the ace card, chips or a pair of aces.
Bump
A betting term in Poker, meaning to raise, i.e. betting a sum higher than the previous bet that requires all players to match or raise it even more, or else forfeit the pot.
Buried Pair
A hidden pair that no other player is allowed to see. Two cards of the same rank.
Burn
Eliminating the top card from the deck before dealing for a round. It is used to prevent cheating by having the dealer flash the top card to a player on purpose and minimizes the usage of marked cards.
Bust Out
When a player is eliminated or when they have lost all their chips or money.
Button
Position of a dealer, the person who will act last. The button will rotate one seat clockwise after each game.
Button Charge
A form of collection drop in which the button (dealer) will pay a fee to the house. Used instead of a rake.
Buy-In
Poker tables start from certain sums, called Buy-ins, that are minimum amounts for the game's bets.
C
Cage
Where the cashier sits in a casino or cardroom. Typically where one buys and sells their chips or cash.
Call
A nonzero bet equal to the preceding bet that keeps the player in the race for the pot in a poker game.
Call Cold
The act of staying in the pot by matching multiple bets instead of the total of a single bet.
Call Down
Matching any bet or raise until the hand ends.
Call Station
A name for any player who likes to call often, even when there are better moves to be made. Tends to only make the minimum bet, rarely folds or raises.
Cap
A lit on the number of bets or raises during a given round of betting. Also, it can be when an object, the 'cap', is placed on top of the deck of cards by the dealer to prevent tampering, alternatively it can be placed on a player's hand to silently let others know he is still active in the game.
Card Capper
When a cap has been placed on the deck by the dealer to prevent cheating or when a player has placed a cap on their hand to let other players know they are still active.
Card Odds
The probability a certain card will show up in the deal based off what you have been given and how many cards remain in the deck.
Card Protector
Any small object placed on a player's hand so that it cannot be tampered with or fouled.
Card Value - Wild
When a specific card(s) may be used as wild cards in a game. Example: "We were playing one-eyed Jacks wild"
Cards Speak
As opposed to when a winner's hand is announced verbally, this is when the actual hand value that each player lays down is what determines the winner.
Case
The only one remaining, the last card.
Cash Game
A regular poker game, unlike a tournament, in which players play for money and can cash out at any point. Also known as Ring Game.
Cash In
When a player takes his chips and converts it into cash, or withdraw's money from their account. It is also a verbal goodbye, when someone leaves a room or table. Conversely, it can also be a way to take advantage of other players playing weakly, and then making a profit.
Cash Out
Similiar to 'cash in' - when a player converts his chips into cash, withdraws money from their account, or leaves the table or cardroom.
Cashout Curse
A superstition that stems from a fear that some online poker rooms rigged their software to cheat players who made a large withdrawl by dealing them a weak hand which they hope will discourage them from making future large withdrawls.
Cats and Dogs
A game where the rankings from strongest to weakest are Big Cat, Little Cat, Big Dog and Little Dog are allowed.
Caught Speeding
When a bluff has been called or beaten by another player on the showdown.
Center Pot
The main pot where all active players have placed their bets and are therefore eligible to win, in contrast to the side pot.
Chase
Calling a bet with a drawing hand or a hand that no one expects to be the best hand in play. Calling with the hope of getting the lucky draw.
Check
A betting option in poker. To stay in the game of poker without placing a bet. A bet of zero, which keeps the player in the game.
Checked Around
Describes a certain round of betting where the move is completed without any additional wagers or bets.
Check-Fold
Used in online poker rooms, this is the choice to pre-select this action which will check if possible and fold when it is not possible to check. Used by players who play many tables at once.
Check-Raise
Staying in the pot without making an additional bet and then increasing the wager on their turn.
Chip Declare
Used in high-low split games, this is a method that indicates the pot(s) which a player is competing for. Rather than verbally stating which one they are playing for, the player will select and reveal a single or combination of chips to indicate.
Chip Leader
Used in tournaments, this is the player who has the greatest amount of chips to their name.
Chip Runner
An employee of a casino or cardroom who works on the floor selling and buying chips, rather than working in the cage.
Chip Up
Exchanging low amount chips for ones of a higher amount.
Chop
A portion of the pot, also used as a verb as in "we tied for the pot, so chop it". Also used in games with multiple blinds, this is the act that returns the blinds to the players who posted them and play a new hand, but only done when no other player have called or raised and are in agreement. Finally, it can also be used as a verb when change is made for 1 or more chips.
Cinch Hand
An unbeatable hand.
Coat Card
Any King, Queen or Jack card in play.
Coin Flip
The situation where each player in a pair have an equal chance at winning the pot; 50-50 chance. Does not use an actual coin, it is only a saying.
Cold Deck
Cheating by dealing the opponent unfavorable cards.
Collection
Compensation fee paid to any casino or cardroom for hosting a game. This can include any fee charged for organizing the game itself - rake, time, dead collection blinds, etc.
Collection Drop
The act of receiving the collection.
Color Chip
A chip with a certain color denotes a certain amount of money worth.
Color Up
Exchanging lower value chips for ones of a higher value.
Come Hand
A currently weak hand with a potential to significantly improve when the next cards are dealt or revealed.
Come In
The first voluntary contribution to the pot. In a game of blinds, this is to call or raise the blind.
Community Card Poker
This game includes a combination of personally dealt cards and shared cards, dealt face up, for all participating players to use in forming their hand. Famous variants of this game include Texas Hold'em and Omaha Hold'em.
Community Cards
Hold'em and Omaha Poker versions have shared community cards. The cards, placed face up in the middle of the table, are visible to and shared by all active players in the game.
Community Pot
A pot in which multiple players have a stake in, especially when few players have folded. Also known as a family pot.
Complete Hand
If all cards in your Poker hand form one strong combination - a straight, flush, full house, four of a kind or straight flush - it is called a complete hand.
Complete the Bet
Used in a fixed limit game, this is increasing the wager that was below the limit, up to the lower limit allowed.
Concealed Pair
A hidden pair of cards with the same value that no other player can see.
Connectors
Especially referring to a player's downcards, these are cards of consecutive ranking. Example is 6 of spades and 7 of hearts.
Conservative
Describing a player who tends to play few hands, folds or makes the minimum wager to stay in the pot. Also used as an adverb to describe how someone is playing.
Continuation Bet
When a player has bet out or raised during the previous betting round, this is the act of betting out once again.
Cosmetics
Any type of material used to mark cards - used by cheaters.
Count Down
Determining the winner of a hand based on either a kicker, the remaining number of chips or amount of cash available to a player in a stakes game. It is also a way to verify that the deck is not missing any cards.
Counter Proposition
After an initial proposition has been rejected, this is a substitute offer of actions.
Counterfeit
A card that falsely appears to strengthen another player's hand but actually matches either the suit or number value of the opponents pocket cards. Also known as a brick, or duplicate.
Court Card
Any card that is a King, Queen or Jack. Members of the 'royal court'.
Crack
To beat someone in a showdown, especially noteworthy when the hand beaten was a favorite.
Crying Call
A hesitant call with little expectation to win, especially following a complaint made about the cards dealt and situation they are in.
Cut
The action of separating the deck into two or more sections and reordering them. Most common technique is to split the deck in half and place the top portion on the bottom if only cutting it once. It is also used as an command that it is someone's turn to cut the deck. It can also be used to describe a part of the pot taken to the casino.
Cut Card
A specially designated card that is used to indicate where the deck should be cut. It can also cover the bottom card so that it is not revealed to the players. Typically it is a differently designed card from the rest of the deck, so as to stand out.
Cut the Pot
The act of taking a portion of the pot to pay for an expense that all players share, like drinks or food. It is also when multiple players are given portions of the pot.
D
Dead
A hand that is inactive or ineligible to win the pot because it was fouled or folded.
Dead Blind
A mandatory pot contribution made before any cards are dealt under the rules that the player making the wager is not allowed to raise it.
Dead Button
In a game with a rotating blind, if the player to the left of the dealer is eliminated or leaves, then the dealer button is rotated to the empty seat instead of skipping to the next player.
Dead Cards
Cards that are taken out of play, by either not being dealt to a specific player, fouled, folded or held by the opponent.
Dead Game
Used as an adjective, it describes a game that has little betting, raises, and re-raises.
Dead Money
A tournament entry fee from an inexperienced player who is expected to lose.
Deal Off
Playing hands in the blind or button seats. It can also be when a player declares that he/she is leaving the table prior to playing their last hand.
Deal Out
To skip a particular person when dealing on purpose.
Dealer's Choice
A rule that states that each player gets the opportunity to be the dealer and that they can determine the game to be player, number of hands or length of time.
Declare
A variation of a poker game where the players verbally state the value of their hand in order to determine the winner instead of the hand value. If a player miscalls, they will be disqualified to win the pot.
Dig
A game where players add money or chips to the table while a hand is still being played, instead of table stakes play.
Discard Pile
The location or pile of cards that have been taken out of play.
Dominated
A hand that has a significant chance of winning. It is not paired, and contains one card that the opponent also has with the second card being lower than the opponent's second card in the pocket. Example is player 1 has A-K, and player 2 has A-Q. Player 2's card is dominated.
Door Card
In a game of stud, this is the first exposed card.
Double Bluff
In response to an opponent's raise, this is the act of re-raising it an attempt to get the opponent to fold.
Double Deal
A form of cheating in where the dealer deals two or more cards to a specific player in order to give them the advantage.
Double Discard
A trick or form of cheating where the player secretly removes one or more cards from their hand.
Double Limit
Describes a game where the player can make a wager equal to a specific amount that is outlined before and then after the draw.
Double Qualifier
A high-low split game that has a minimum hand strength requirement in order to qualify for each pot.
Down to the Green
Having no more chips or money - all in. Also Down to the Felt.
Draw
When a player is missing one card to complete or improve a hand, the player is said to be on a draw. If one has a 9, 10, J, Q and a 5, the player will try to draw an 8 or a K. The draw is a tactic often used in poker games.
Draw Lowball
5 card game where instead of high hand winning, it is reversed with low hand winning all.
Draw Poker
A classic version of poker, with five cards dealt face down to players who have placed ante bets. After one round of bets, players may hold all original cards in the hand or discard 1 to 4 cards and have them replaced by cards from the deck. Then another round of bets takes place until the remaining players compare their hands for the highest ranking combination.
Drawing Hand
A hand which is one or more cards away from becoming a flush, straight or straight flush.
Drawing Live
Maintaining the ability to participate in the showdown while holding an incomplete hand that if completed, could win.
Drop
To fold or in the online world, when the internet connection is lost.
Duplicate
A card in the hand that shares the same suit or number value as another one drawn.
E
Early Position
Location near the beginning of the turn, among the first 1/3 of the table to take action.
Edge Odds
Ratio or percentage of a player's average winnings with a particular group (such as a weekly poker group with the same players) when compared to the average highest win of the group in total for any given number of sessions.
Equity
Average amount of money that a particular hand would win if it was repeated multiple times.
Exposed Pair
A pair that is visible to all players. Used in study or community cards games.
F
False Cut
A trick where it looks like the deck has been cut but the cards that started off on top of the deck remain there.
Family Pot
A pot that has many players involved. Also known as a community pot.
Fast
Describing a type of bluff, this involves large or frequent raised of the amount being wagered.
Feeler Bet
A bet made in small increments to see the opponent's reactions and gain information.
Fifth Street
In 7 card stud poker, the third round of betting in which players have five cards, is called Fifth Street.
Fill
To draw a card in poker that makes a five card hand.
Fish
A inexperienced player that doesn't have many skills perfected. A player who loses large amounts of money. It can also be used as a verb describing the act of maintaining a stake in the pot in order to complete a hand even having few outs and a negative expected value.
Five of a Kind
A hand with four cards of same value with one wild card. Ranked above a straight flush.
Fixed Limit
A specific wager amount that must be met. It can change in between rounds within a hand.
Flat Call
A call in a situation where players are expecting a raise instead.
Flat Limit
Different from the fixed limit, this is a specific wager amount that must be met and does not change over the course of play.
Floor
The area where games are being played.
Flop
The three cards dealt face up in the first stage of a poker game, namely in Texas Hold`em, are called the flop.
Flop Percent
Percentage of players who remain in the pot until the flop.
Flush
A hand where it contains five cards in the same suit, it is below a full house and above a straight.
Fold
To surrender the hand in poker as well as any claim for the pot.
Forced Bet
Any wager that is required before the game play will start.
Foul
When a player violates a rule and their hand is disqualified.
Four Flush
A hand that has four cards in the same suit.
Four of a Kind
The second highest value poker hand, includes four cards of the same rank. This hand ranks by the value of the four cards (JJJJ2 beats a 55558).
Four Straight
A hand with four cards of consecutive value.
Four-Color Deck
A deck of cards with four, instead of two colors, each one for a different suit.
Free Cards
Cards that do not require players to put additional money into the pot to see. Cards that are revealed after a non-betting round has finished or in a game with blinds, the cards revealed after there was a no-raise round played.
Freeze Out
A wager that is so large, it is intended to have other players fold in an attempt to lower the number of players playing, not just to complete the hand.
Full
The part of the house where it is the 3 cards of same value. For example: Q,Q,Q,7,7. The three queens are the 'full'.
Full House
A valuable poker hand that involves all five cards, with three cards of one rank and two of another. The three cards determine the hand's rank (99988 beats a 555AA).
G
Gardena Razz
Type of lowball game where winner of the previous hand must post the blind in the next game.
Giant Twist
An chance to draw at the end of a stud game's hand or when a player can discard the cards in their hand in exchange for the same amount of new cards from the deck.
H
Half Kill
On a given number of hands, this is a 50% increase in the betting limit once certain requirements have been met.
Half Pot Limit
The maximum amount equal to no more than half the pot, that any bet, raise or reraise can be applied.
Hand
Five cards held in your hand at one time in a poker game, before or after a mid-game deal, is called a hand.
Head to Head
A one on one game, a game only involving 2 players.
High
Describes a traditional game where the highest ranked cards wins.
High Card
In case no other hands are formed at the poker game, the highest value card in the hand is the high card, and the player with the highest High Card wins the pot.
High Limit
A game or table where a sizable amount of money is need to play or can be won.
High-Low
When the pot is split into two equal portions - one half is won by the highest ranking hand and the other half is won by the lowest ranking hand. Can also be called a high-low split.
Hold Out
A form of cheating where a card is removed from the deck in order to use it at some point later where it would be an advantage.
Holdem
A poker game where the players receive 2 cards down that can be used individually and 5 face-up cards that are shared amongst the other players (community cards). Players then combine their personal cards with the shared cards in order to make the highest ranking hand they can.
House
Can describe the establishment being played in or describing a full house which is three of a kind and a pair, which ranks below four of a kind and above a flush.
House Chips
Chips or money which the casino or cardroom supplies for certain players who do not risk their own money while playing. They are also the specific chips with designs exclusive to the casino or cardroom that minted them - can be collector's items.
House Cut
The percentage taken of money from the pot by the house.
House Player
A player who is specifically employed by the casino or cardroom in order to play for them for various reasons, such as minimum players to start or maintain games. They do not always have to identify themselves, depending on the casino or cardroom's jurisdicition.
House Rules
The rules by which a certain game is player, set forth by the establishment being played in. If they are not offered right away, ask.
Hunt
Asking to see the next card or the remaining community cards before the hand ends.
I
Ideal Edge Odds
1:1 or 100% of edge odds.
Ignorant End of a Straight
Used in community card games, this is the lowest possible straight made.
Implied Odds
Ratio of amount of money expected to be in the pot by the end of a round or hand compared to the amount that is required to call and maintain eligibility to win the pot. Accounts for any possible additional wagers.
Improve
To receive one or more cards that strengthen the hand being played.
In the Hole
Can describe a card in stud games or someone who has lost money or chips in a game.
Index
A mark on the upper left and lower right of the card which indicates it's value and suit. It can be as a form of cheating as a way to identify it for future hands.
Inside Straight Draw
Four cards to a straight - the missing card would be in the middle.
Investment
The chips or amount of money added to the pot by a player. It is also the total amount of money the buy-in and add on's are in a tournament.
Investment Odds
The estimated return on the investment made for a certain hand or action. It is expressed as a formula, sure as (expected size of pot)(probability of winning) / (amount of investment player puts up).
J
Jackpot
The cash prize that is awarded to a player based on certain criteria. It is also used in 5 card draw games with jacks or better as the opener.
Jackpot Drop
A special additional fee to the jackpot offered at a specific table or cardroom.
Jacks Back
A game that is played for high when no player who has a pair of Jacks or better is in the first round of betting. The game will change then from a high game to a specific lowball game.
Jammed
A large number of bets, raises or reraises to the pot. It can also describe a player who wagers aggressively.
K
Kansas City
A hand that is not a straight or flush and lowest cards are 5-4-3-2. If playing Ace-to-Five lowball, this is the hand 2-3-4-5-7, with no flush.
Kansas City Lowball
A game where the players try to make the weakest hand possible instead of the highest to win. Aces, straights and flushes are high. Also known as Duece-to-Seven Lowball.
Kicker
In case no straight or flush hand seems to form, the poker player may choose to hold on to an odd high card, perhaps an Ace or a King, for a possible advantage in the end of the game.
Kill
When the original betting limits are increased for a given hand(s) after pre-set requirements are bet. In shared card games, it is a mandatory wager twice the size of the big blind. Or as a verb, this is when a player had made their hand ineligible to win the pot.
Kill Pot
A hand being played when a kill is in effect.
L
Last Position
The final person who can take action in a round.
Lay Down
The debatable decision to fold, especially when a players hand is strong. It is also used as another term for the showdown, when players reveal their cards.
Lead
The player who makes the first bet in a round.
Leader Board
Used in tournaments, this is the board which ranks the players stackings from highest to lowest.
Leak
When a player deliberately reveals a portion of his cards to let other player's know what he has. Alternatively, it can be used to describe a weak point in a player's game that they want to work on.
Leg
Another word for a hand or single round of play.
Limit
A specific amount of money or chips that can be played and wagered in a game or round of betting.
Little Blind
Player position which is required to contribute the smallest blind in a blinds game.
Live
A card which is still in play and has not been fouled or folded. It can also describe a game that is active or a players state of mind while playing, ie: "We've got a live one!"
Lock
The best hand possible or one that cannot be beat.
London Lowball
A game where players try to make the weakest hand possible instead of the strongest. Best possible hand is 6-4-3-2-A with no flush.
Look
Calling on the final betting round.
Loose
Described a player who constantly keeps a stake in the pot, even when it's advisable to fold and plays many hands till showdown.
Low Poker
Also called lowball, a game of poker in which the lowest hand wins the pot. It is the opposite of High Poker.
Lowball
Also called low poker, a game of poker in which the lowest hand wins the pot.
Low-Limit
Describes a game which is played for or requires a small amount of money. Also called a low-stakes game.
M
Main Pot
The pot where all eligible players have contributed to and thus are eligible to win.
Make
Multiple meanings; one is to be dealt the card needed to complete a hand. It is also to shuffle the deck or in the last case, when someone finds a cheater or has their cheating found out.
Mark
Placing a identifying feature on the back of a card in order to be recognize it easily at a later point - this is a form of cheating. It can also describe a person who is the target of a cheater or highly-skilled player.
Micro-limit
A game which is played for or only requires a substantially small amount of money in order to play.
Middles
A form of cheating where either strong or weak cards are dealt from the middle of the deck instead of the top.
Miscall
A mistake when a player calls a hand value that is either incorrect or when another player has a higher hand than the one that is being called at the time.
Misdeal
When a mistake is made while dealing cards to the players and is justifiable enough to have the cards dealt again.
Miss
When a place receives a card that doesn't improve their hand especially on a draw.
Mistigris
A game played where there is a Joker card added in as a wild card.
Money Plays
A rule in table stakes games where cash can be considered part of a players stake instead of chips at first.
Monster
Describing something large and strong; ie: "I have a monster hand" or "I would up losing the monster pot"
Muck
The discard pile. Alternatively it is the action where a player discards their hand without showing while losing on the showdown.
N
No Cash Plays
A rule in table stakes games that requires players convert their cash into chips before play begins and will be accepted. Also known as No Money Plays
No Limit
A game where there is no maximum amount of money or chips that a player is allowed to wager.
Number-way Straight
This is a straight draw with a specific number of outs. Where a hand has four of the required cards to make a straight and one of the remaining cards in the deck would complete the straight, it is said a player has a '(insert number here) way straight".
Nut
The minimum amount of money or chips a player is expected to win which is their breaking even point. It can also describe the best possible hand of a specific rank.
O
Odds Against
Ratio of negative to positive outcomes expected in the long term.
Odds For
Ratio of positive to negative outcomes expected in the long term.
Offsuit
Cards that are in a different suit from each other.
Omaha
A poker game where players are dealt 4 cards down to be used individually while there are 5 face up community cards to be shared. Players combine 2 of their cards with 3 of the shared cards in order to make the highest ranking 5 card combination they can.
On a Draw
In an attempt to complete a hand using cards that haven't been dealt yet, the player will maintain a stake in the pot.
Open
Placing the first wager or bet into the first round of play. Also called bringing it in.
Open Card
A card that all players are eligible to see and is dealt face up.
Open Pair
Same as an open card, but in a pair formation.
Open-ended Straight Draw
A hand where four out of the five cards required for a straight can only be completed by a specific rank of card. Examples would be A-2-3-4 or A-K-Q-J.
Option
An extra card which is dealt to a player in a stud or draw game as a twist. Or in a blind game, this is the choice a player can make as a pre-flop when all betting has been checked around already.
or Better - Hand Value
A game that requires the player to hold a certain card value or better to remain in order to make the first bet or win the pot.
Out of the Money
Describes the situation where the player doesn't win the money or prize.
Outdraw
When a player is dealt cards that complete or improve their hand, especially if they were an underdog previously.
Outkick
A player who holds a higher kicker than their opponents and wins the pot.
Over
Describes a card value which makes the three of a kind in a full house or is the higher pair in a two pair hand.
Overbet
A bet, raise or reraise that is significantly larger than the amount already in the pot.
Overcall
Matching all previous bets without raising or making the minimum required bet. If playing a declare game, this is the action of declaring a hand of rank that is higher than is actually held.
Overcard
In a community card game, this is the card which is of higher rank than any others on the board or in the community card pile.
P
Packet
A portion or group of cards from the deck.
Pair
Any two cards of the same value in a hand.
Partially Wild Cards
Any card(s) of a specific suit or value that are designated as wild cards and can only be used in certain situations such as completing a flush. Typically, they are Joker cards.
Pass
When it comes to a player's turn, the player may pass, meaning fold and not place a bet.
Passive
Describing a game, table or player who plays with the minimum amount of money needed to maintain in the pot, constantly calls or checks. Opposite of aggressive games or play.
Pat
A hand the needs no additional cards in Draw Poker is a Pat, as is a Blackjack hand that is worth 17 or higher, not exceeding 21.
Picture Card
Any King, Queen or Jack card. Any card that is not numbered.
Pips
A marking in the center of a playing card that tells what suit and value it is.
Pocket Cards
The cards dealt face-down in poker.
Poker
A popular type of card game in which two or more players gamble on the value of the card combination they hold (their "hand") by placing bets into a central pot. The player with the highest hand value or the only player remaining wins the pot.
Poker Face
A facial expression that is completely unemotional. Designed to prevent opponents from guessing the player's next move or hand they hold.
Position
The spot which a player holds, their turn in a series of actions.
Position Bet
A bet or information gained which takes advantage of the player's position, especially if earlier in the game they would have not made that same move.
Post
The act of contributing money to the pot before the cards are dealt.
Pot
The amount of money that accumulates in a poker game, which goes to the winner, is the pot.
Pot Committed
Describes a person who already has a lot of money contributed into the pot so that folding is not a smart choice, even if there is a high chance they will be beaten on the showdown.
Pot Equity
In a given point in the game, this is the amount of money at stake already in the pot multiplied by the chance of winning percentage.
Pot Limit
The restriction a pot is given in which the maximum amount any raise or reraise can increase the pots value.
Pot Odds
A term used in poker, including in Texas Hold ‘em, which represents the ratio of the current size of the pot to the cost of a call about to be made. For instance, if the pot is $100 and the call about to be made $10, then the pot odds are 100:10.
Proposition
An agreement between two or more players on what moves they will each make on their turn.
Proposition Bet
A wager made outside the boundaries of the game, a side bet.
Protect
Some object placed over a player's cards in order to prevent them from being seen by other players. It is also a bet made in hopes of reducing the amount of players in the hand, therefore increasing their chance to win in the showdown.
Push Bets
An agreement between players that any money won from them will be returned in reciprocation of them doing the same thing for them. A way to ensure that no players are competing with each other, unless it's players from outside the agreement. Used as a strategy.
Put Down
Another term for folding.
Put On
To guess or assume what cards an opponent is holding in order to decide the best playing strategy for themselves.
Q
Quads
A poker term for a hand of Four of a Kind.
Qualifier
A hand ranking minimum in poker that allows a player to take part in the pot.
R
Rack
A tray used in landbased casinos that hold the chips and additional decks of cards. It can also refer to an amount of exactly 100 chips.
Rainbow
A hand that contains cards of all different suits ie: "All the colors of the rainbow."
Raise
Also called a bet, betting a sum higher than the previous bet that requires all players to match or raise it even more, or else forfeit the pot.
Rake
The percentage or dollar amount of money that a casino or cardroom takes in order to compensate holding a game or tournament. Usually taken from the pot.
Rakeback
Offered in online casinos and cardrooms, this is a special promotion where a percentage of the rack is refunded back to the player.
Rank
Placement of a card from the worst to best based on the numeric or face value of the card, no matter the suit it's in. It is also used to rate hands.
Read
The ability to analyze players tells or betting patterns from previous hands and what they will do in the future to use to their advantage.
Re-buy
Used in tournaments, this is paying an extra entrance fee or additional chips in order to begin again at a fixed point in the tournament itself.
Redeal
If a mistake has been made in dealing the cards, the dealer will collect all the cards given and then deal again.
Rembrandt
A game where all face cards are wild or another name for the royal cards of King, Queen and Jack.
Reraise
Raising the bet again after an opponent has already raised (increased) it.
Return on Investment
Amount of money or chips that an action has or will generate in the long term and is in excess of the player's own contributions already put in.
Reverse Tell
An act that is designed to make the opponent believe they have seen information about the player's hand.
Ring Game
A regular poker game, unlike a tournament, in which players play for money and can cash out at any point. Also known as a Cash Game.
River
The name of the final card dealt to poker players to complete a hand.
Rough
Used in lowball games, this is a hand that contains several of the highest possible cards.
Royal Flush
Highest possible flush of A-K-Q-J-10 in same suit. Can also be called a royal straight flush but this is not proper.
Run
A set of cards in a hand that have consecutive ranks. Also, it is a streak of strong or weak hands or names a round of betting. Can also be called a rush.
S
Sandbag
A strategy where the player will indicate that their hand is weaker than it really is, in the hopes that it will encourage the other players to bet aggressively.
Save Bets
Also known as push bets, it is an agreement between players to return the money that each person won to the person who bet the money in the first place. It ensures no one inside the agreement is competing against each other.
Scarne Cut
As opposed to a traditional cutting of the deck, this cut involves pulling a group of cards from the middle and then placing them on top.
Scoop
To win both the high and low portions of the pot in a high-low game. It happens when the player has the best high or low hand in play or when the player wins the high hand but no one else is eligible to compete for the low hand due to stated restrictions.
Scramble
A way of completely randomizing the deck by placing all cards face down and then mixing them together before piling back into a deck formation.
Seat Charge
Used instead of a rake, this is a fee collected by the establishment based on the length of time player or the number of hands played from the player.
See
Calling or matching all bets made previously without raising anything. Example "I see your $50".
Semi-Bluff
Wagering aggressively with a moderately good but unlikely to win in a showdown hand. It is intended to cause other players to fold while still having the possibility to win.
Shark
A highly skilled player who intends to decieve. It is also a loans person who provides black market loans with high interest.
Shootout
A tournament where multiple tables have players stay at the same table until every table has a winner, then each of those table winners compete against each other to determine the final winner.
Short Call
A wager that is all-in because the player has insufficient funds to match any opponents bets, raises and reraises.
Short Pair
In a game that requires a value to be opened, this is a pair whose value is lower than needed to be able to place the first wager.
Showdown
The conclusion of a poker game when active players show their cards and reveal the winner of the game and the pot.
Side Pot
Separate from the main pot, this is where certain player(s) have not contributed and they are therefore not eligible to win. Occurs when a player goes all-in and the opponents continue to wager more than the all-in player has.
Single Limit
Used in draw games, this is a fixed limit that does not increase after the draw.
Small Blind
Blind bets, the forced bets pre-flop, are not all equal. While the person in the first position in the game places a Small Blind, a lesser amount, the player in the second position is forced a Big Blind, larger in size.
Smooth
Used in games of lowball, this is the lowest possible kicker cards in a hand. In direct opposition to rough cards.
Snap Off
Winning a weak or decent hand by defeating a bluff, weaker hand or by receiving cards which significantly improve a player's hand.
Splash the Pot
Considered bad etiquette in a land based casino, this is when a player directly puts their money or chips into the pot instead of in front of themselves or the edge of the pot. It makes hard work for the dealer as they have to confirm the correct amount going in and it slows down game play.
Split the Blinds
Used in a multiple blinds game, this is returning the blinds to the players who posted them originally and playing a new hand, rather than continuing the current hand in play.
Spread Limit
A wager limit that has a minimum and maximum amount and players can choose to match the set amounts or anywhere in between.
Stack
A pile of chips that are usually separated into their common monetary value.
Steal
A bluff; this is where a player will make a bet or raise in the hopes of convincing one or more players to fold. Usually played from the late position when the only money or chips left in the port are the antes or blinds.
Straight
A hand that contains five cards of the same suit in consecutive value. It is immediately above three of a kind and directly below a flush.
Straight Draw
In a series of five cards, this is where one card is still left to be dealt but the other four cards are in consecutive value. Example 7-8-9-10.
Straight Flush
The highest value poker hand that includes five cards of the same suit in sequence. It is a rare hand, but in case two get it, the hand ranks by the top card. An ace through 10 of the same suit cards, an especially high combination, is called a royal flush.
String Bet
Wager made by using multiple motions to put chips into the pot. Many cardrooms forbid this type of betting.
String Raise
A raise made in the same form as a string bet is made.
Structured Limit
Like a fixed limit, all bets, raises and reraises must be made in specific amounts. Usually starts low for early rounds and gradually gets higher the more rounds are played.
Stud Poker
In this variation of poker, each player is dealt a face up card and a face down card, which only the player may look at. The one with the highest value face up card starts the betting round. Then another card is dealt face up, with a betting round following, and again until each player has four cards showing and one face down. The highest five card hand wins in the end.
T
Table Stakes
A system that limits players to wagering by not allowing any player to wager more chips than they have at the table, and purchase or remove chips in the middle of a hand. This allows a player to go all in rather than being forced to fold by another player who has higher wagers than the entire stack of money or coins a second player has.
Target Tournament
A type of tournament where the player(s) earn their seat by winning a satellite tournament.
Telegraph
A form of cheating where two players use a pre-determined verbal or non-verbal code in order to give information to their partner.
Tells
A type of behavior unique to a player's persona that will reveal information about his or her cards, whether consciously or subconsciously. They can come naturally to the player or be learned from books on the subject.
Texas Holdem
A poker game where players are dealt 2 personal cards facedown, with 5 cards being dealt up and accessible to the whole table. The goal is to combine any of their 2 cards with the shared cards in order to make the highest ranking 5 card combination.
Three of a Kind
Any hand that contains three cards of the same value. It ranks below a straight and above two pair.
Tight
Describing a player or or table where one or more of the players frequently folds even when it's advisable to stay in the pot.
Time
Used in games where there is a time limit on how long a player can make a decision on what to do, this is a request to the dealer to keep track of the time. Example: "Dealer - the player is slowing down game play --time please" or "This is a difficult decision to make dealer. Time please." It is also used as a fee collection period, where there is no rake in place.
Time Out
Used in timed limit games, this is the point a player has reached when they have no more time to act.
Toke
Used in land based casinos or cardrooms, this is a tip given to an employee of the establishment, usually the dealer. Can also be called a 'zuke.'
Token
Also called a chip, it represents a certain monetary amount.
Tournament
A multi-player competition for a set duration of time. Tournament rules often vary considerably from regular play.
Tournament Chips
Instead of having a cash value, these are chips used to keep score in a tournament.
Trap
A move where a player convinces the other player(s) that they have a weak hand, therefore ensuring the other player bets and increases the amount in the pot to be won.
Turn Down
Also called folding, this is where the player turns down all their cards and is out of the game.
Twist
Used in stud or draw games, this is an extra card dealt to a player in exchange for another addition to the pot.
Two Pair
A hand that contains both a kicker and two pairs of two cards with the same value. Example: K-K-7-7-2. Ranks below a three of a kind and above a pair. In the case where more than one player has two pair, the winner is the one with the highest pair. If their highest pairs are also the same, then the second highest pair is ranked and if necessary, then the kicker is ranked until a winner has been found.
U
Under the Gun
The position that is required to act first.
Underdog
A player who has the card odds against him but has not drawn dead yet.
Underpair
Pocket pair made with cards with a lesser value than the lowest community card. It will be beaten by the bottom pair if they are played.
Unlimited
Also called "no limit", this is a game where there is no maximum amount of money or chips a player is allowed to wager in order to play.
V
Verbal Declaration
In a high-low split game, instead of playing chip declare, this is when the player verbally declares which pot(s) they are competing for.
W
Wash
Also called a 'scramble', this is a technique to mix the deck together by placing them all face down in a pile, and then mixing them all together before stacking them into the deck formation again.
Weak
Unlikely or unskilled enough to win.
White Token
A chip of usually low monetary value, $1 in most cases.
Wired
Used in stud games, these are multiple cards of the same value dealt consecutively to the same player; ie "I had three wired Queens". In a community card game, this is a pair of pocket cards.
WSOP
The abbreviation of the World Series of Poker.
Z
Zip or Zilch - High Value
Used in lowball games, this is the hand where the four lowest cards are the best possible cards that player could hold.&
