A
ace-to-five, ace-to-six
Methods of evaluating low hands. See lowball.
act
To make a play (bet, call, raise, or fold) at the required time. It
is Ted's turn to act. Compare to "in turn".
action
A player's turn to act. The action is on you.
A willingness to gamble. I'll give you action or There's plenty of
action in this game.
A bet, along with all the calls of that bet. For example, if one
player makes a $5 bet and three other players call, he is said to
have $5 "in action", and to have received $15 worth of action on his
bet. Usually this term comes into play when figuring side pots. See
table stakes.
action button
A marker similar to a kill button, on which a player places an extra
forced bet. In a seven-card stud high-low game, the action button is
awarded to the winner of a scoop pot above a certain size,
signifying that in the next pot, that player will be required to
post an amount representing a completion of the bring-in to a full
bet. For example, in a stud game with $2 and $4 betting limits and a
$1 bring-in, a player with the action button must post $2; after the
cards are dealt, the player with the low card must still pay the $1
bring-in, then when the betting reaches the player who posted the
$2, he is required to leave it in as a raise of the bring-in (and
has the option to raise further). Players in between the bring-in
and the action button can just call the bring-in, but they know
ahead of time that they will be raised by the action button.
action card
In Texas hold 'em or other community card games, a card appearing on
the board that causes significant betting action because it helps
two or more players. For example, an ace on the flop when two
players each hold an ace.
action only
In many cardrooms, with respect to an all-in bet, only a full (or
half) bet can be reraised. Anything less than a full (or half) bet
is considered to be action only, that is, other players can call the
bet but not raise it. For example, Alice bets $100. Bob calls. Carol
goes all in for $119. When the action returns to Alice and Bob, they
may only call the extra $19; they cannot raise it. Carol's raise is
called action only. Compare to "full bet rule", "half bet rule".
active player
A player still involved in the pot. If there are side pots, an
all-in player may be active in some pots, but not in others.
add-on
In a live game, to buy more chips before you have busted. In
tournament play, a single rebuy for which all players are eligible
regardless of their stack size. This is usually allowed only once,
at the end of the rebuy period. The add-on often offers more chips
per dollar invested than the buyin and rebuys. Compare with "rebuy".
advertising
To make an obvious play or expose cards in such a way as to
deliberately convey an impression to your opponents about your style
of play. For example, to make a bad play or bluff to give the
impression that you bluff frequently (hoping opponents will then
call your legitimate bets) or to show only good hands to give the
impression that you rarely bluff (hoping opponents will then fold
when you bluff).
aggressive, aggression
The tendency for a player to open betting or raise rather than call
or check. See main article: aggression. Compare to "loose", "tight",
"passive".
aggression factor (AF)
A measure of a player's aggression, either in a particular betting
round or over all betting rounds. It is calculated as follows: AF =
(num. bets + num. raises) / num. calls.[1]
air
In lowball, "giving air" is letting an opponent who might otherwise
fold know that you intend to draw one or more cards to induce him to
call.
Nothing, as in That last bluff was with total air, or I caught air
on the river.
all in
Having bet all of your chips in the current hand. See main article:
all in.
angle
A technically legal, but borderline unethical, play. For example,
deliberately miscalling one's own hand to induce a fold, or placing
odd amounts of chips in the pot to confuse opponents about whether
you mean to call or raise. A player employing such tactics is called
an "angle shooter".
ante
A forced bet required, in some types of poker, of all players before
the hand begins. See main article: ante.
ante off
In tournament play, to force an absent player to continue paying
antes, blinds, bring-ins, or other forced bets so that the contest
remains fair to the other players. Go ahead and take that phone
call. We'll ante you off until you get back. Also "blind off".
any two, any two cards, ATC
An expression used in Texas hold 'em to say that a player's cards do
not matter in a decision. An aggressive player might “raise any
two”, a loose player might “play any two”.[1]
B
backdoor
A draw requiring two or more rounds to fill. For example, catching
two consecutive cards in two rounds of seven-card stud or Texas hold
'em to fill a straight or flush.
A hand made other than the hand the player intended to make. I
started with four hearts hoping for a flush, but I backdoored two
more kings and my trips won.
back in
To enter a pot by checking and then calling someone else's open on
the first betting round. Usually used in games like Jackpots,
meaning to enter without openers.
back into
To win a pot with a hand that would have folded to any bet. For
example, two players enter a pot of draw poker, both drawing to
flushes. Both miss, and check after the draw. The player with the
ace-high draw "backs into" winning the pot against the player with
only a king-high draw. Also to make a backdoor draw, for example, a
player who starts a hand with three of a kind, but makes a
runner-runner flush, can be said to back into the flush.
backraise
A reraise from a player that previously called in the same betting
round. I decided to backraise with my pocket eights to isolate the
all-in player.
bad beat
To lose a hand where when the main betting action happens, one hand
is considerably ahead of the eventual winning hand. See main
article: bad beat.
balance
Playing very different hands in the same way, with the aim of making
it more difficult for an opponent to gain useful information about
the cards a player has, even though on a value basis one would play
them differently.
bank
Also called the house, the person responsible for distributing
chips, keeping track of the buy-ins, and paying winners at the end
of the game.
bankroll
1. The amount of money that a player has to wager for the duration
of his or her poker career.
2. To fund someone's participation in a game. As in, "John
bankrolled Kate's $5,000 entry fee into the tournament." Compare
with "staking".
bankroll management
Choosing the correct stakes and game type to avoid exhausting one's
bankroll during downswings.
behind
Not (currently) having the best hand. I'm pretty sure my pair of
jacks was behind Lou's kings, but I had other outs, so I kept
playing.
Money on the table but not currently in the pot, which can be bet
later in the hand - He bet $50 with $100 behind, so I folded my low
pair
Money in play but not visible as chips in front of a player. For
example, a player may announce "I've got $100 behind" while handing
money to a casino employee, meaning that this money is "in play" and
he may bet or call with that money even before the chips are brought
to him.
bet
Any money wagered during the play of a hand.
More specifically, the opening bet of a betting round.
In a fixed limit game, the standard betting amount. There were six
bets in the pot when I called.
betting structure
The complete set of rules regarding forced bets, limits, raise caps,
and such for a particular game. See main article: betting.
big bet
The larger of two bet amounts in a fixed limit game. See main
article: big bet.
big bet game
A game played with a no limit or pot limit betting structure.
big blind
The larger of two forced bets in certain types of poker. See main
article: blind.
big blind special
A hand won by the big blind playing very weak pocket cards because
there was no raise pre-flop.
big full
The best possible full house in community card games. I had the big
full when the flop came A-A-5 and my hole cards were A-5. A stronger
hand than the "underfull".
big stack
A stack of chips that is relatively large for the stakes being
played. Also called "deep stack". Also the biggest stack at the
table. Compare with "short stack".
blank
A card, frequently a community card, of no apparent value. I
suspected Margaret had a good draw, but the river card was a blank,
so I bet again. Compare to "rag", "brick", "bomb".
blaze
A Non-standard poker hand of five face cards that outranks a flush.
bleed
Consistently losing chips through bad play, possibly resulting from
tilt. When a player is consistently losing chips, they are "bleeding
chips."
blind
A type of forced bet. See main article: blind.
In the "dark".
blind defense
To call or raise your opponents raise when in the big blind, rather
than folding an otherwise weak hand, in order to exploit over
aggression.[1]
blind steal
A raise from late position with a weak hand when all other players
have folded, with the intention of winning the blinds and antes.[1]
blind stud
A stud poker game in which all cards are dealt face down. Was
popular in California before legal rulings made traditional stud
legal there.
blind off, blinded
To "ante off".
To have one's stack reduced by paying ever increasing blinds in
tournaments. Ted had to make a move soon or he would be blinded away
in three more rounds.
blocker
In community card poker, holding one of the opponent's outs,
typically when the board threatens a straight or straight draw. A
blocker is also having a combination of cards that turn your
opponents outs into your own, such as having four to a straight
flush. The two cards to give you a straight flush are blockers
against his high flush draw.The board was A23 but with my pair of
fives I held two blockers to the straight. Compare to "dry ace".
blocking bet
An abnormally small bet made by a player out of position intended to
block a larger bet by an opponent.
bluff
A bet made with a hand that is mathematically unlikely to be
profitable either to make money or to disguise play patterns. See
main article: bluff.
bluff catching range
This is the number of hands that don't have any real value left on
the river, but might still be good enough to catch the bluff of an
opponent.[1]
bluff induce
To make an aggressive move with a good hand to give the impression
it is a bluff, in order to draw a bluff from your opponent.
board
The set of community cards in a community card game. If another
spade hits the board, I'll have to fold.
The set of face-up cards of a particular player in a stud game.
Zack's board didn't look too scary, so I bet into him again.
The set of all face-up cards in a stud game. I started with a flush
draw, but there were already four other diamonds showing on the
board, so I folded.
boat
Another name for Full house
both ways
Both halves of a split pot, often declared by a player who thinks he
or she will win both low and high.
bottom dealing
Trick or cheating deal where a card or cards are dealt from the
bottom of the deck rather than the top. See main article: bottom
dealing.
bottom end
The lowest of several possible straights, especially in a community
card game. For example, in Texas hold 'em with the cards 5-6-7 on
the board, a player holding 3-4 has the bottom end straight, while a
player holding 4-8 or 8-9 has a higher straight. Also "idiot end".
bottom pair, bottom set
In a community card game, a pair (or set) made by matching the
lowest-ranking board card with one (or two) in one's private hand.
Compare second pair, top pair.
bounty
An aspect of some poker tournaments that rewards players for
eliminating other players with a cash prize for each player they
eliminate, separate from the tournament payout structure. See main
article: bounty
box
The chip tray in front of a house dealer, and by extension, the
house dealer's position at the table. You've been in the box for an
hour now; don't you get a break?
boxed card
A card encountered face-up in the assembled deck during the deal, as
opposed to one overturned in the act of dealing. Most house rules
treat a boxed card as if it didn't exist; that is, it is placed
aside and not used. Different rules cover cards exposed during the
deal.
break
In a draw poker game, to discard cards that make a made hand in the
hope of making a much better one. For example, a player with
J-J-10-9-8 may wish to break his pair of jacks to draw for the
straight, and a lowball player may break his 9-high 9-5-4-2-A to
draw for the wheel. In a Jacks-or-better draw game, a player
breaking a high pair must keep the discarded card aside, to prove he
had openers.
To end a session of play. The game broke at about 3:00.
During a tournament, an interval where play ceases and the players
are free to refresh or relieve themselves.
brick
A "blank", though more often used in the derogatory sense of a card
that is undesirable rather than merely inconsequential, such as a
card of high rank or one that makes a pair in a low-hand game. Also
known as a bomb. Compare to "rags".
brick & mortar
A brick & mortar or B&M casino is a "real" casino based in a
building, as opposed to an online casino. This refers to many real
world locations vs. their Internet counterparts. It is not just a
poker term or even a gambling term; it is often used in e-commerce
in similar situations.
bridge order
Poker is neutral about suits. A spade flush and a club flush with
all ranks matching is a tie. But in determining the dealer at the
start of a game, or in determining the bringin bettor in a stud
game, bridge rank rules: Spades beat hearts beat diamonds beat
clubs. It's convenient but coincidental that this works out to
reverse alphabetical order.
bring in
To open a betting round. Alice brought it in for $4, and Bob raised
to $10.
A forced bet in stud games. In the first betting round, the holder
of the worst (lowest or highest, depending) upcard must post a
bring-in bet. The bring-in bet is typically a quarter to a third of
a small bet. The bring-in bettor may look at his cards, and place a
full bet if he deems it wise.
broadway
A 10 through ace straight. Can also include any group of cards from
10 to ace- i.e. I had position and two broadway cards (king-queen),
so I called to see the flop.
brush
A casino employee whose job it is to greet players entering the
poker room, maintain the list of persons waiting to play, announce
open seats, and various other duties (including brushing off tables
to prepare them for new games, hence the name).
To recruit players into a game. Dave is brushing up some players for
tonight's game.
bubble
The last finishing position in a poker tournament before entering
the payout structure. He was very frustrated after getting
eliminated on the bubble. Also can be applied to other situations
like if six players will make a televised final table the player
finishing seventh will go out on the "TV bubble". Also applies to
any situation close to the payout structure.
bubble factor
The factor by which your odds in chips differ from your odds in
dollars.[1] See also main article: expected value.
buck
Marker to indicate which player is dealer (or last to act). See
button.
bug
A limited wild card. See main article: bug. Compare to wild card.
bully
A player who raises frequently to force out more cautious players,
especially one with a large stack for the size of the game (a "big
stack" bully).[2]
burn card, burn
A card that is removed from the deal to prevent cheating. See main
article: burn card.
busted
Not complete, such as four cards to a straight that never gets the
fifth card to complete it.
Out of chips. To "bust out" is to lose all of one's chips.
button
Most commonly a marker that indicates the dealer position at the
table, but other specialized buttons exist. See main article:
button. Also "buck" or "hat".
buy-in
The minimum required amount of chips that must be "bought" to become
involved in a game (or tournament). For example, a $4-$8 fixed limit
game might require a player to buy at least $40 worth of chips. This
is typically far less than an average player would expect to play
with for any amount of time, but large enough that the player can
play a number of hands without buying more, so the game isn't slowed
down by constant chip-buying.
buy short
To buy into a game for an amount smaller than the normal buy-in.
Some casinos allow this under certain circumstances, such as after
having lost a full buy-in, or if all players agree to allow it.
buy the button
A rule originating in northern California casinos in games played
with blinds, in which a new player sitting down with the button to
his right (who would normally be required to sit out a hand as the
button passed him, then post to come in) may choose to pay the
amount of both blinds for this one hand (the amount of the large
blind playing as a live blind, and the amount of the small blind as
dead money), play this hand, and then receive the button on the next
hand as if he had been playing all along. See public cardroom rules.
A tactic most often used by late-position players: a raise to
encourage the later and button players to fold, thus giving the
raiser last position in subsequent betting rounds.
buy the pot
Making a bet when no one else is betting so as to force the other
players to fold, thus winning the pot uncontested. A specialized
version of this is "buying the blinds" by making a large raise in
the first round forcing all other players out of the hand.
C
call
To match a bet or raise. See main article: call.
call the clock
A method of discouraging players from taking an excessively long
time to act. When someone calls the clock, the player has a set
amount of time in which to make up his mind; if he fails to do so,
his hand is immediately declared dead. In tournament play, a common
rule is that if a player takes too long and no one calls the clock,
the dealer or floor personnel will automatically do so.
calling station
A player who frequently calls bets, but rarely raises them. A
calling station is usually a loose passive player. See main article:
calling station.
cap
A limit on the number of raises allowed in a betting round.
Typically three or four (in addition to the opening bet). In most
casinos, the cap is removed if there are only two players remaining
either (1) at the beginning of the betting round, or (2) at the time
that what would have otherwise been the last raise is made.
Also, term for the chip, token, or object placed atop one's cards to
show continued involvement with a hand.
cap game
Similar to "cap" above, but refers to a no-limit or pot limit game
with a cap on the amount that a player can bet during the course of
a hand. Once the cap is reached, all players remaining in the hand
are considered all-in. For example, a no limit game could have a
betting cap of 30 times the big blind.[3]
cards speak
See main article: cards speak.
case card
The last available card of a certain description (typically a rank).
The only way I can win is to catch the case king., meaning the only
king remaining in the deck.
cash game
A game where each hand is played for real money as opposed to
tournament play. See main article: ring game.
cash plays
An announcement, usually by a dealer, that a player requested to buy
chips and can bet the cash he has on the table in lieu of chips
until he receives his chips. In many card rooms, it also refers to
the policy that $100 bills may remain on the table and considered to
be "in play" in cash form, rather than converted to chips.
cashing
Winning a share of the prize money in a tournament.
cashing out
Exchanging chips for cash when leaving a game. Removing money from
an on line poker site.
catch
To receive needed cards on a draw. I'm down 300--I can't catch
anything today. or Joe caught his flush early, but I caught the boat
on seventh street to beat him. Often used with an adjective to
further specify, for example "catch perfect", "catch inside", "catch
smooth".
catch up
To successfully complete a draw, thus defeating a player who
previously had a better hand. I was sure I had Alice beat, but she
caught up when that spade fell.
catch perfect
To catch the only two possible cards that will complete a hand and
win the pot, usually those leading to a straight flush. Usually used
in Texas hold 'em. Compare with "runner-runner".
center pot
The main pot in a table stakes game where one or more players are
all in.
chase
To call a bet to see the next card when holding a drawing hand when
the pot odds do not merit it.
To continue to play a drawing hand over multiple betting rounds,
especially one unlikely to succeed. Bob knew I made three nines on
fourth street, but he chased that flush draw all the way to the
river.
To continue playing with a hand that is not likely the best because
one has already invested money in the pot. See sunk cost fallacy.
check
To bet nothing. See main article: check.
A casino chip.
check out
To fold, in turn, even though there is no bet facing the player. In
some games this is considered a breach of etiquette equivalent to
folding out of turn. In others it is permitted, but frowned upon.
check-raise
Deceptive play whereby a player initially checks with the intention
of raising should another player bet. See main article: check-raise.
chip
A small disk used in place of money. See casino token.
chip declare
A method of declaring intent to play high or low in a split-pot game
with declaration. See declaration.
chip dumping
A strategy whereby one player deliberately loses chips to another
player. Where players have agreed to take such action together, this
is a form of collusion.
In tournaments, two players are able to increase their combined
equity of the total prize pool if their stacks are more evenly
balanced. That is because of the changing marginal utility of chips
in a poker tournament.
In cash games, this is typically an attempt to perpetrate money laundering or other sorts of fraud, and chip dumping in such situations does not usually harm other players in the game (although there are obscure exceptions).
chip leader
The player currently holding the most chips in a tournament (or
occasionally a live no limit game).
chip race
An event in tournament poker where chips of a value lower than the
minimum required are removed from play. See main article: chip race.
chip up
To exchange lower-denomination chips for higher-denomination chips.
In tournament play, the term means to remove all the small chips
from play by rounding up any odd small chips to the nearest large
denomination, rather than using a chip race.
To steadily accumulate chips in tournament play, typically by
winning small pots with minimal risk-taking.
chop
To split a pot because of a tie, split-pot game, or player
agreement.
To play a game for a short time and cash out. Also "hit and run".
A request made by a player to a dealer after taking a
large-denomination chip that he wishes the dealer to make change.
To chop blinds.
An agreement by all players remaining in a tournament to distribute
the remaining money in the prize pool according to an agreed-upon
formula instead of playing the tournament to completion. Usually
occurs at the final table of a large tournament.
chopping the blinds
Ending a hand when all players have folded to the blinds with the
blinds being returned to those who paid them. See main article:
chopping the blinds.
click raise
Making the minimum raise. Referring to online poker when you click
the raise button without specifying the amount of raise.
closed
See main article: closed.
coffee housing
Talking in an attempt to mislead other players about the strength of
a hand. For example a player holding A-A as his or her first two
cards might say "Let's gamble here", implying a much weaker holding.
Coffee housing is considered bad etiquette in the UK but not in the
USA. This is also called speech play.
coin flip
A situation where two players have, perhaps wisely, invested all
their money in the pot and it's a roughly even chance which of them
wins. A-K against a small pair is a common case; the A-K is only a
modest dog. Also "race."
cold call
To call an amount that represents a sum of bets or raises by more
than one player. Alice opened for $10, Bob raised another $20, and
Carol cold called the $30. Compare to "flat call", "overcall".
cold deck
A deck that has been intentionally rigged ('stacked') such that some
player or players cannot win.
collusion
A form of cheating involving cooperation among two or more players.
See cheating in poker.
color change, color up
To exchange small-denomination chips for larger ones.
combo, combination game
A casino table at which multiple forms of poker are played in
rotation.
come bet, on the come
A bet or raise made with a drawing hand, building the pot in
anticipation of filling the draw. Usually a weak "gambler's" play,
but occasionally correct with a very good draw and large pot or as a
semi-bluff.
community card
See main article: community card poker.
complete hand
See made hand.
completion
To raise a small bet up to the amount of what would be a
normal-sized bet. For example, in a $2/$4 stud game with $1
bring-in, a player after the bring-in may raise it to $2, completing
what would otherwise be a sub-minimum bet up to the normal minimum.
Also in limit games, if one player raises all in for less than the
normally required minimum, a later player might complete the raise
to the normal minimum (depending on house rules). See table stakes.
connectors
Two or more cards of consecutive or close to consecutive rank.
continuation bet
A bet made after the flop by the player who took the lead in betting
before the flop (Texas hold 'em and Omaha hold 'em). Compare to
"probe bet".
cooler
A situation in which a player holds a second best hand so powerful
considering the circumstances that they are destined to lose the
maximum with it no matter how they play it. Examples of this would
be K-K running into A-A pre-flop, a king-high flush losing to an
ace-high flush on an unpaired board with only three of the suit
present, or a nut full house losing to quads when both players have
pocket pairs.
countdown
The act of counting the cards that remain in the stub after all
cards have been dealt, done by a dealer to ensure that a complete
deck is being used.
counterfeit
See main article: counterfeit. Also "duplicate".
cow
A player with whom one is sharing a buy-in, with the intent to split
the result after play. To "go cow" is to make such an arrangement.
cripple
In some community card games, to cripple the deck means to have a
hand that is virtually impossible for anyone else to catch up to.
For example, in Texas hold 'em, if a player's hole cards are A-T and
the flop is A-A-T the player has "crippled the deck"; though that
player's hand is high (probably unbeatable), other players are
unlikely to see any possibility for improvement and will probably
fold. Such a hand generally doesn't gain much money for the player
holding such a hand, however it is possible to win a large amount
through slow play.
crying call
Calling when a player thinks he does not have the best hand.
cut
See main article: cut.
cut card
A distinctive card, usually stiff solid-colored plastic, held
against the bottom of the deck during the deal to prevent
observation of the bottom card.
cutoff
The seat immediately to the right of the dealer button. In home
games where the player on the button actually shuffles and deals the
cards, the player in the cutoff seat cuts the deck (hence the name).
D
dark
An action taken before receiving information to which the player
would normally be entitled. I'm drawing three, and I check in the
dark. Compare to "blind."
dead blind
A blind that is not "live", in that the player posting it does not
have the option to raise if other players just call. Usually
involves a small blind posted by a player entering, or returning to,
a game (in a position other than the big blind) that is posted in
addition to a live blind equal to the big blind.
dead button
See dead button rule.
dead hand
A player's hand that is not entitled to participate in the deal for
some reason, such as having been fouled by touching another player's
cards, being found to contain the wrong number of cards, being dealt
to a player who did not make the appropriate forced bets, etc.
dead man's hand
See main article: Dead Man's Hand.
dead money
See main article: dead money.
deal
To distribute cards to players in accordance with the rules of the
game being played.
A single instance of a game of poker, begun by shuffling the cards
and ending with the award of a pot. Also called a "hand" (though
both terms are ambiguous).
An agreement to split tournament prize money differently from the
announced payouts.
deal twice
In a cash game, when two players are involved in a large pot and one
is all-in, they might agree to deal the remaining cards twice. If
one player wins both times he wins the whole pot, but if both
players win one hand they split the pot. Also, "play twice".
dealer
The person dealing the cards. Give Alice the cards, she's the
dealer.
The person who assumes that role for the purposes of betting order
in a game, even though someone else might be physically dealing.
Also "button". Compare to "buck".
dealer's choice
A version of poker in which the deal passes each game and each
dealer can choose, or invent, a new poker game each hand or orbit.
See main article: dealer's choice.
declare
To verbally indicate an action or intention. See declaration.
deep stack
A stack of chips that is relatively large for the stakes being
played. Also called "big stack". Compare with "short stack".
defense
Making a play that defends the player against a bluff by forcing the
supposed bluffer to fold or invest further..
deuce
A 2-spot card. Also called a duck, quack, or swan.
Any of various related uses of the number two, such as a $2 limit
game, a $2 chip, etc.
deuce-to-seven
A method of evaluating low hands. See main article: Deuce-to-seven
low.
dirty stack
A stack of chips apparently of a single denomination, but with one
or more chips of another. Usually the result of inattention while
stacking a pot, but may also be an intentional deception.
discard
To take a previously dealt card out of play. The set of all discards
for a deal is called the "muck" or the "deadwood".
dominated hand
A hand that is extremely unlikely to win against another specific
hand, even though it may not be a poor hand in its own right. Most
commonly used in Texas hold 'em. A hand like A-Q, for example, is a
good hand in general but is dominated by A-K, because whenever the
former makes a good hand, the latter is likely to make a better one.
A hand like 7-8 is a poor hand in general, but is not dominated by
A-K because it makes different kinds of hands. See also domination.
donk bet
A bet made by a donk, i.e. one that is generally considered weak or
to demonstrate inexperience or lack of understanding of strategy.
A bet made in early position by a player who didn't take initiative
in the previous betting round. It was named because this move is
often considered indicative of a weak player (since it is more often
reasonable to expect a continuation bet).
donkey
a weak player, also known as "fish" or a "donk"
door card
In a stud game, a player's first face-up card. Patty paired her door
card on fifth street and raised, so I put her on trips.
In Texas hold 'em, the door card is the first visible card of the
flop.
In Draw poker, the sometimes visible card at the bottom of a
player's hand. Players will often deliberately expose this card,
especially at lowball.
double-ace flush
Under unconventional rules, a flush with one or more wild cards in
which they play as aces, even if an ace is already present.
double belly buster straight draw
a combination of hole cards and exposed cards in hold 'em or stud
games which does not include four connected cards, but where there
are two different ranks of card that complete a straight. An example
would be where the combination of hole cards and the flop is J9875.
double-board, double-flop
Any of several community card game variants (usually Texas hold 'em)
in which two separate boards of community cards are dealt
simultaneously, with the pot split between the winning hands using
each board.
double-draw
Any of several Draw poker games in which the draw phase and
subsequent betting round are repeated twice.
double raise
The minimum raise in a no-limit or pot-limit game, raising by just
the amount of the current bet.
double suited
An Omaha hold 'em starting hand where two pairs of suited cards are
held, e.g. two spades and two diamonds. May be abbreviated "ds" in
written descriptions. AAJT (ds) is widely considered a premium
pot-limit Omaha hold 'em starting hand.
double up, double through
In a big bet game, to bet all of one's chips on one hand against a
single opponent (who has an equal or larger stack) and win, thereby
doubling your stack. I was losing a bit, but then I doubled through
Sarah to put me in good shape.
downcard
A card that is dealt face-down.
downswing
A period during which a player loses (or lost more) than expected.
See also: Up 'upswing'.
drag light
To pull chips away from the pot to indicate that you don't have
enough money to cover a bet. If you win, the amount is ignored. If
you lose, you must cover the amount from your pocket. This is not
allowed at any casino or any but the most casual home games; see
table stakes.
draw, drawing hand, come hand
See main article: draw.
A 'drawing hand' is when a player has a chance to improve their hand
to something considerably stronger through 'drawing' the required
cards on the flop, on the turn or on the river.[4]
drawing dead
Playing a drawing hand that will lose even if successful (a state of
affairs usually only discovered after the fact or in a tournament
when two or more players are "all in" and they show their cards). I
caught the jack to make my straight, but Rob had a full house all
along, so I was drawing dead.
Playing a hand that can never improve beyond the opponent's hand. As
soon as he tabled that flopped three-of-a-kind, I knew my pair of
aces was drawing dead.
drawing live
Not drawing dead; that is, drawing to a hand that will win if
successful.
drawing thin
Not drawing completely dead, but chasing a draw in the face of poor
odds. Example: a player who will only win by catching 1 or 2
specific cards is said to be drawing thin. Profitable drawing thin
requires large pot odds.
drop
To fold.
Money charged by the casino for providing its services, often
dropped through a slot in the table into a strong box. See "rake".
To drop ones cards to the felt to indicate that one is in or out of
a game.
dry ace
In Omaha hold 'em or Texas hold 'em, an ace in one's hand without
another card of the same suit. Used especially to denote the
situation where the board presents a flush possibility, when the
player does not in fact have a flush, but holding the ace presents
some bluffing or semi-bluffing opportunity and a redraw in case the
flush draw comes on turn. Compare to "blocker".
dry board
The texure of the community cards. A board is considered dry when
the cards on the table mean that is unlikely or impossible that any
player has made a strong hand like a straight or flush (e.g. because
there are insufficient cards of the same suit). Compare to wet
board.
dry pot
A side pot with no money created when a player goes all in and is
called by more than one opponent, but not raised. If subsequent
betting occurs, the money will go to the dry pot.
duplicate
To counterfeit, especially when the counterfeiting card matches one
already present in one's hand.
E
early position
See position.
eight or better
A common qualifier in High-low split games that use Ace-5 ranking.
Only hands where the highest card is an eight or smaller can win the
low portion of the pot.
equity
One's mathematical expected value from the current deal, calculated
by multiplying the amount of money in the pot by one's probability
of winning. For example, if the pot currently contains $100, and you
estimate that you have a one in four chance of winning it, then your
equity in the pot is $25. If a split is possible, the equity also
includes the probability of winning a split times the size of that
split; for example, if the pot has $100, and you have a 1/4 chance
of winning and a 1/5 chance of taking a $50 split, your equity is
$25 + $10 = $35.
expectation, expected value, EV
See main article: expected value. Often used in poker to mean
"profitability in the long run".
exposed card
A card whose face has been deliberately or accidentally revealed to
players normally not entitled to that information during the play of
the game. Various games have different rules about how to handle
this irregularity. Compare to "boxed card".
F
family pot
A deal in which every (or almost every) seated player called the
first opening bet.
fast
Aggressive play. I was afraid of too many chasers, so I played my
trips fast. Compare to "speeding".
favorite
A hand which when matched against another in a showdown has an
advantage odds-wise over the other. A hand can be called a small or
a big favorite depending on how much it is dominating the other.
Contrast "underdog" where the situations are reversed. Favorites are
usually used but not exclusively comparing how 2 hole cards do
against 2 other hole cards pre-flop.
feeder
In a casino setting, a second or third table playing the same game
as a "main" table, and from which players move to the main game as
players there leave. Also called a "must-move table."
felt
The cloth covering of a poker table, whatever the actual material.
Metaphorically, the table itself: Doyle and I have played across the
felt. Also used to refer to table felt made visible by being
uncluttered with chips from a player having lost them all or taken
all of an opponent's. I felted Carla when I filled up against her
flush.
field
All players as a collective in a large tournament: There were many
professionals amongst the field of the Main Event.
The number of players in a large tournament: Duhamel defeated a
field of 7318 other players to win the title.
fifth street
The last card dealt to the board in community card games. Also see
river.
The fifth card dealt to each player in stud poker.
fill, fill up
To successfully draw to a hand that needs one card to complete it,
by getting the last card of a straight, flush, or full house. Jerry
made his flush when I was betting my kings up, but I filled on
seventh street to catch up.
final table
The last table in a multi-table poker tournament. The final table is
set when a sufficient amount of people have been eliminated from the
tournament leaving an exact amount of players to occupy one table
(typically no more than ten players).
first position
The playing position to the direct left of the blinds in Texas hold
'em or Omaha hold 'em, also known as "under the gun". The player in
first position must act first on the first round of betting.
fish
A weak player in poker or chess. See also donkey.
To chase draws holding weak hand. Especially when facing aggressive
play by another player.
five of a kind
A hand possible only in games with wild cards, or a game with more
than one deck, defeating all other hands, comprising five cards of
equal rank.
fixed limit, flat limit
See main article: fixed limits.
flash
Any card which becomes briefly exposed by accident to at least 1
player must be shown to all the players by the dealer during
dealing. The card is said to be "flashed" to all players before
being discarded to the muck pile. See also exposed.
Unintentionally showing the bottom of the deck if not using a
cut-card (an opaque non-play card used to conceal the bottom of the
deck) is considered flashing.
To show one or more downcards from one's hand. After everyone
folded, Ted flashed his bluff to the other players.
flat call
A call, in a situation where one might be expected to raise.
Normally I raise with jacks, but with three limpers ahead of me I
decided to flat call. Also "smooth call". Compare to "cold call",
"overcall". See slow play.
float
Calling a bet with the intention of bluffing on a later betting
round. A player might do this when he suspects an opponent of making
a continuation bet on the flop in the hopes that the bettor will
give up his unimproved hand and check on the turn, allowing the
caller to bet with a weak hand and hopefully take the pot away from
the preflop aggressor. We are floating over the other guys flop bet
looking for an opportunity to take the pot.
floorman, floorperson
A casino employee whose duties include adjudicating player disputes,
keeping games filled and balanced, and managing dealers and other
personnel. Players may shout "floor!" to call for a floorperson to
resolve a dispute, to ask for a table or seat change, or to ask for
some other casino service.
flop
The dealing of the first three face-up cards to the board, or to
those three cards themselves. Also see turn and river.
flop game
A community card game.
flush
A hand comprising five cards of the same suit. See List of poker
hands.
fold
To discard one's hand and forfeit interest in the current pot. See
main article: fold.
fold equity
The portion of the pot one expects to win, on average, by a bet that
induces your opponents to fold, rather than seeing the showdown. For
example, if your opponent folds 50% of the time to bets in
situations like this, your fold equity = (current pot size) *
(0.50). See also equity.
forced bet
See main article: forced bets.
forced-move
In a casino where more than one table is playing the same game with
the same betting structure, one of the tables may be designated the
"main" table, and will be kept full by requiring a player to move
from one of the feeder tables to fill any vacancies. Players will
generally be informed that their table is a "forced-move" table to
be used in this way before they agree to play there. Also
"must-move".
forward motion
A house rule of some casinos states that if a player in turn picks
up chips from his stack and moves his hand toward the pot ("forward
motion with chips in hand"), this constitutes a commitment to bet
(or call), and the player may not withdraw his hand to check or
fold. Such a player still has the choice of whether to call or
raise. Compare to "string bet".
fouled hand
A hand that is ruled unplayable because of an irregularity, such as
being found with too many or too few cards, having been mixed with
cards of other players or the muck, having fallen off the table,
etc. Compare to "dead hand".
four-flush
Four cards of the same suit. A non-standard poker hand in some
games, an incomplete drawing hand in most. See main article: Four
flush.
four of a kind
A hand containing four cards of equal rank. Also "quads". See List
of poker hands.
four-straight
Four cards in rank sequence; either an open-ender or one-ender. A
non-standard poker hand in some games, an incomplete drawing hand in
most. Sometimes "four to a straight".
fourth street
The fourth card dealt to the board in community card games. Also
"turn".
The fourth card dealt to each player in stud.
free card
A card dealt to one's hand (or to the board of community cards)
after a betting round in which no player opened. One is thereby
being given a chance to improve one's hand without having to pay
anything. I wasn't sure my hand was good, but I bet so I wouldn't
give a free card to Bill's flush draw.
freeroll
See main article: freeroll.
freezeout
The most common form of tournament. There's no rebuy, play continues
until one player has all the chips.
full house, full boat, full hand, full
A hand with three cards of one rank and two of a second rank. Also
"boat", "tight". See List of poker hands.
full bet rule
In some casinos, the rule that a player must wager the full amount
required in order for his action to constitute a raise. For example,
in a game with a $4 fixed limit, a player facing an opening bet of
$4 who wagers $7 is deemed to have flat called, because $8 is
required to raise. Compare to "half bet rule". See Public cardroom
rules and "All in" betting.
full ring
A full ring game is a cash game with more than six players involved,
typically nine to eleven. This term is normally used in the context
of online poker. Compare to "shorthanded".
G
gap hand
In Texas hold 'em, a gap hand is a starting hand with at least one
rank separating the two cards. Usually referred to in context of
one-gap and two-gap hands.
get away
To fold a good hand against a supposedly superior hand. Compare with
laydown.
going south
To sneak a portion of your chips from the table while the game is
underway. The intent is to reduce the stakes you have at risk.
Normally prohibited in public card rooms. Also "ratholing".
grinder
A player who earns a living by making small profits over a long
period of consistent, conservative play. Compare to "rock".
guts, guts to open
A game with no opening hand requirement; that is, where the only
requirement to open the betting is "guts", or courage.
Any of several poker variants where pots accumulate over several
hands until a single player wins. See guts.
gut shot, gutshot
See inside straight draw.
gypsy
To enter the pot cheaply by just calling the blind rather than
raising. Also "limp".
H
half bet rule
In some casinos, the rule that placing chips equal to or greater
than half the normal bet amount beyond the amount required to call
constitutes a commitment to raise the normal amount. For example, in
a game with a $4 fixed limit, a player facing a $4 opening bet who
places $6 in the pot is deemed to have raised, and must complete his
bet to $8. Compare to "full bet rule". See Public cardroom rules and
"all in" betting.
hand
See main article: hand.
hand-for-hand
See main article: hand-for-hand.
hand history
The textual representation of a hand (or hands) played in an
Internet cardroom. See Poker tools.
hanger
When the bottom card of the deck sticks out beyond the others, an
unwanted tell that the dealer is dealing from the bottom of the
deck.
heads up poker
Playing against a single opponent. After Lori folded, Frank and I
were heads up for the rest of the hand.
heater
See rush.
hero call
Calling when a player has a relatively weak hand but suspects his
opponent may be bluffing.
high hand, high
The best hand using traditional poker hand values, as opposed to
lowball. Used especially in high-low split games.
high card
A no pair hand, ranked according to its highest-ranking cards.
To defeat another player by virtue of high-ranking cards, especially
kickers.
To randomly select a player for some purpose by having each draw one
card, the highest of which is selected (for example, to decide who
deals first). When all the players get here, we'll high card for the
button. Often high card by suit is used for this purpose.
high-low, high-low split
See main article: high-low split.
hijack seat
The seat to the right of the cutoff seat, or second to the right of
the button. This is generally considered to be the easiest position
to steal the blinds from in tournaments because it is the first seat
at the table where players often start to give respect to raisers,
hence the name.
hole cards, hole
Face-down cards. Also "pocket cards". I think Willy has two more
queens in the hole.
A seat, often preceded by a number relative to the button. Sara
opened from the 2-hole.
hole cam
A camera that displays a player's face-down cards ("hole cards") to
television viewers. Also "pocket cam" or "lipstick cam".
home game
A game played at a private venue (usually the home of one of the
players), as opposed to a casino or public cardroom.
horse
A player financially backed by someone else. I lost today, but Larry
was my horse in the stud game, and he won big. Compare with
"bankroll" and "staking".
H.O.R.S.E.
See main article: H.O.R.S.E..
I
ignorant end, idiot end
In flop games, a player drawing to, or even flopping, a straight
with undercards to the flop has the idiot end of it. A player with
8-9 betting on a flop of A-T-J puts himself at great risk, because
many of the cards that complete his straight give credible opponents
higher ones.
implied pot odds, implied odds
See main article: implied pot odds.
improve
To achieve a better hand than one currently holds by adding or
exchanging cards as provided in the rules of the game being played.
I didn't think Paula was bluffing, so I decided not to call unless I
improved on the draw.
inside straight
See inside straight draw. Also "belly buster", "gutshot". Compare to
outside straight draw.
in position, IP
A player is said to be in position, if the player is last to act on
the flop, turn and river betting rounds. Compare to out of position.
insurance
A "business" deal in which players agree to split or reduce a pot
(roughly in proportion to the chances of each of them winning) with
more cards to come rather than playing out the hand, or else a deal
where one player makes a side bet against himself with a third party
to hedge against a large loss.
in the middle
In a game with multiple blinds, an incoming player may sometimes be
allowed to post the blinds "in the middle" (that is, out of their
normal order) rather than having to wait for them to pass.
A player being whipsawed is said to be "in the middle".
in the money
To finish high enough in a poker tournament to win prize money. Also
"ITM".
in turn
A player, or an action, is said to be in turn if that player is
expected to act next under the rules. Jerry said "check" while he
was in turn, so he's not allowed to raise.
irregular declaration
An action taken by a player in turn that is not a straightforward
declaration of intent, but that is reasonably interpreted as an
action by other players, such as pointing a thumb up to signify
"raise". House rules or dealer discretion may determine when such
actions are meaningful and/or binding.
irregularity
Any of a number of abnormal conditions in play, such as unexpectedly
exposed cards, that may call for corrective action. See Public
cardroom rules.
isolation
See main article: isolation.
J
jackpot
A game of "jackpot poker" or "jackpots", which is a variant of
five-card draw with an ante from each player, no blinds, and an
opening requirement of a pair of jacks or better.
A large pool of money collected by the house and awarded for some
rare occurrence, typically a bad beat.
joker
A 53rd card used mostly in draw games. The joker may usually be used
as an Ace, or a card to complete a straight or flush, in high games,
and as the lowest card not already present in a hand at low. See
bug. A joker may give a player a great many outs.
juice
Money collected by the house. Also "vig", "vigorish". See rake.
junk
A hand with little expected value.
K
kicker
See main article: kicker.
kill button
In a kill game a button that shows which player has the kill action.
See main article: kill game.
kill game, kill pot
See main article: kill game.
kill hand
A hand with different betting rules in a kill game. See main
article: kill game.
kitty
A pool of money built by collecting small amounts from certain pots,
often used to buy refreshments, cards, and so on. The home-game
equivalent of a rake.
L
lag
A "loose aggressive" style of play in which a player plays a lot of
starting hands and makes many small raises in hopes of out-playing
his opponents.
last to act
A player is last to act if all players between the player and the
button have folded.
laydown
A tough choice to fold a good hand in anticipation of superior
opposition.
lead
The player who makes the last bet or raise in a round of betting is
said to have the lead at the start of the next round. Can also be
used as a verb meaning to bet out into the pot, "to lead into the
pot."
level
Used in tournament play to refer to the size of the blinds that are
periodically increased. For example, in the first level the small
blind / big blind may be $50 / $100, in the second level the blinds
may be $100 / $200.
leg-up, leg-up button
The button used to signify who has won the previous hand in a kill
game. Winning a pot in a "2 consecutive pots" kill game with the
leg-up button in front of you, results in a kill.
light
A hand that is not likely to be best. Usually used as an action
descriptor; "call light", "3-bet light". See semi-bluff.
limit
The minimum or maximum amount of a bet.
See fixed limit.
limp, limp in
To enter a pot by simply calling the bet to them instead of raising,
called so because a player with a marginal hand may be willing to
pay the minimum to see more cards, but would likely fold if the bet
increased further.
limp-reraise
A reraise from a player that previously limped in the same betting
round. I decided to limp-reraise with my pocket eights to isolate
the all-in player. Also backraise.
live bet
A bet posted by a player under conditions that give him the option
to raise even if no other player raises first; typically because it
was posted as a blind or straddle, or to enter a new game.
live cards
In stud poker games, cards that will improve your hand that have not
been seen among anyone's upcards, and are therefore presumably still
available. In games such as Texas hold 'em, a player's hand is said
to contain "live" cards if matching either of them on the board
would give that player the lead over his opponent. Typically refers
to a hand that is weak, but not dominated.
live hand
A hand still eligible to win the pot; one with the correct number of
cards that has not been mucked or otherwise invalidated.
live game
A game with a lot of action, usually including many unskilled
players, especially maniacs. See also live poker, below.
live poker
A retronym for poker played with at a table with cards, as opposed
to video poker or online poker.
lock up
To "lock up" a seat in a cash game means to place a poker chip,
player's card, or other personal effect on the table in front of the
seat, to signify that the seat is occupied even though the player
may not be present.
loose
To play more - and thus weaker - hands than the average for the game
or for the player normally. See loose/tight play. Compare to
"tight", "aggressive", "passive".
low
The lowest card by rank.
The low half of the pot in a high-low split.
M
M-ratio
A measure of the health of a chip stack as a function of the cost to
play each round. See main article: M-ratio.
made hand
See main article: made hand. Compare to a drawing hand.
maniac
A very loose and aggressive player, who bets and raises frequently,
and often in situations where it is not good strategy to do so.
Opposite of rock.
mark
A person at a poker table that is the focus of attention. Other
players consider the "mark" a weaker competitor and try to push the
person out.
match the pot
To put in an amount equal to all the chips in the pot.
micro-limit
Internet poker games with stakes so small that real cardrooms
couldn't possibly profit from them, are said to be at the
"micro-limit" level (e.g. 25¢-50¢).
middle pair
In a community card game, making a pair with neither the highest nor
lowest card of the community cards. See also second pair.
middle position
See Position
misdeal
A deal which is ruined for some reason and must be redealt.
missed blind
A required bet that is not posted when it is a player's turn to do
so, perhaps occurring when a player absents himself from the table.
Various rules require the missed bet to be made up upon the player's
return.
move in
In a no-limit game, to "move in" or to "go all in" means to bet
one's entire stake on the hand in play. See table stakes.
muck
To fold.
To discard one's hand without revealing the cards. Often done after
winning without a showdown or at a showdown when a better hand has
already been revealed.
The discard pile "There were only a couple of cards in the muck"
multi-way pot
A pot where several players compete for it. Also known as a family
pot, although family pot sometimes means only a pot where all
players participate.
N
negative freeroll
See main article: negative freeroll.
nit
A player who is unwilling to take risks and plays only premium hands
in the top range. Contrast weak player who plays like a nit but also
folds extremely easily after taking risks even when holding an
excellent hand. A weak player may be a nit but a nit is not
necessarily a weak player.
no-limit
Rules designating players are allowed to wager any or all of their
chips in a single bet. See no-limit.
nothing
When a player only has the possibility of a high card and no other
hand that will win.
nut hand (the nuts)
The nut hand is the best possible hand in a given situation. Players
sometimes evaluate hands by ranking them as being the "Second nuts"
or being the "Pure nuts". The "Pure nuts" is usually the absolute
best hand to have at that moment which is impossible to beat, the
"Second nuts" is the second best hand only beat by the "Pure nuts",
etc. The "nut low" is the absolute worst hand to have in a given
round.
nut low
The best possible low hand in high-low split games.
O
offsuit
Cards that are not of the same suit. The ace of clubs and the king
of spades are called ace-king offsuit
one-chip rule
A call of a previous bet using a chip of higher denomination than
necessary is considered a call unless it is verbally announced as a
raise.
one-eyed royals
See main article: one-eyed royals.
one-ended straight draw
Four out of five cards needed for a straight that can only be
completed with one specific rank of card, in cases where the needed
card rank is either higher or lower than the cards already held as
part of the sequence; as opposed to an inside straight draw or an
open-ended straight draw
While A-2-3-4 and A-K-Q-J are the only truly one-ended straight draw
possibilities, an open-ended straight draw could be considered
one-ended if one of the card ranks needed to complete it would also
give an opponent a hand of higher rank than a straight. Example:
Player A has 8s-9c in the pocket, Player B has 10d-10c in the
pocket. The flop and turn were 7c-6d-Ks-6h. Player B would complete
a full house with a 6 or a 10. Player A would complete a straight
with a 5 or a 10. While strictly speaking Player A has an open-ended
straight draw, it can also be referred to as a one-ended straight
draw because one of the ends—the 10—would not help the hand. The
odds of completing a one-ended straight draw are the same as the
odds of completing an inside straight draw[5]
open
To bet first. See main article: open.
open-ended straight draw, open-ended
An outside straight draw. Also "two-way straight draw" or
"double-ended straight draw".
openers
The cards held by a player in a game of "jackpots" entitling him to
open the pot. "Splitting openers" refers to holding onto one of your
openers after discarding it to prove you had the necessary cards to
open should you win the pot.
open limp
Being the first person in the pot preflop, but not raising.
option
An optional bet or draw, such as getting an extra card facedown for
50 cents or raising on the big blind when checked all the way
around.
The right to raise possessed by the big blind if there have been no
raises.
orbit
A full rotation of the blinds at a table. Equal to the number of
people at the table.
outs
See main article: out.
out of position, OOP
A player is said to be out of position, if he is either first to
act, or is not last to act on a betting round.
outside straight draw
See main article: outside straight draw. Also "two-way straight
draw" or "double-ended straight draw".
overbet
To make a bet that is more than the size of the pot in a no limit
game.
overcall
To call a bet after others have called, esp. big bets. Jim bet,
Alice called, then Ted overcalled. Compare to "cold call", "flat
call", "smooth call".
overcard
A community card with a higher rank than a player's pocket pair.
A higher card. Ted held two overcards to Jill's pair with two cards
to come.
overpair
In community card games such as Texas hold 'em and Omaha hold 'em, a
pocket pair with a higher rank than any community card.
overs
An option to increase the stakes in limit games. Players may elect
to play or not play overs; those who choose to play display some
sort of token. If, at the beginning of a betting round after the
first, only overs players remain in the hand, bets of twice the
present limit are allowed. Most often used in home games as a
compromise between aggressive and meek players.
P
paint
Any royal card. Used mostly in lowball games, where royal cards are
rarely helpful.
pair
Two cards of the same rank. See main article: one pair
passive
A style of play characterized by checking and calling. Compare to
"aggressive", "loose", "tight".
pat
Already complete. A hand is a pat hand when, for example, a flush
comes on the first five cards dealt in Draw poker. Also see Made
hand.
pay off
To call a bet when you are most likely drawing dead because the pot
odds justify the call.
penny ante
Frivolous, low stakes, or "for fun" only; A game where no
significant stake is likely to change hands.
perfect
The best possible cards, in a lowball hand, after those already
named. For example, 7-perfect would be 7-4-3-2-A, and 8-6-perfect
would be 8-6-3-2-A.
pick-up
When the house picks up cash from the dealer after a player buys
chips.
play the board
In games such as Texas hold 'em, where 5 community cards are dealt,
if your best hand is on the board and you go to the showdown you are
said to "play the board".
PLO
Pot limit Omaha. See main article Pot Limit Omaha.
pocket cards
See "hole cards".
pocket pair
In community card poker or stud poker, when two of a player's
private cards make a pair. Also "wired pair".
poker face
A blank expression that does not reveal anything about the cards
being held. Often used outside the world of poker.
position
See main article: position.
position bet
A bet that is made more due to the strength of the bettor's position
than the strength of the bettor's cards.
post
To make the required small or big blind bet in Texas hold 'em or
other games played with blinds rather than antes
post dead
To post a bet amount equal to the small and the big blind combined
(the amount of the large blind playing as a live blind, and the
amount of the small blind as dead money). In games played with
blinds, a player who steps away from the table and misses his turn
for the blinds must either post dead or wait for the big blind to
re-enter the game. Compare to "dead blind".
post oak bluff
See main article: post oak bluff
pot
See main article: pot.
pot-committed
More often in the context of a no limit game; the situation where
you can no longer fold because the size of the pot is so large
compared to the size of your stack.
pot-limit
See main article: pot limit.
pot odds
See main article: pot odds.
pre-flop
The time when players already have their pocket cards but no flop
has been dealt yet. It's also the first round of bets.
probe bet
A bet after the flop by a player who did not take the lead in
betting before the flop (and when the player that did take the lead
in betting before the flop declined to act). Compare to
"continuation bet".
prop, proposition player
A player who gets paid an hourly rate to start poker games or to
help them stay active. Prop players play with their own money, which
distinguishes them from shills, who play with the casino's money.
protected pot
A pot that seems impossible to bluff to win because too many players
are active in it and the chances of another player either calling
you to the end or raising beyond measure become an assurance.
protection, protect
See main article: protection.
purse
The total prize pool in a poker tournament
push
To bet all in.
put the clock (on someone)
See main article: call the clock.
put on
To put someone on a hand is to deduce what hand or range of hands
they have based on their actions and your knowledge of their
gameplay. See also tells.
Q
quads
Four of a kind.
qualifier, qualifying low
A qualifying low hand. High-low split games often require a minimum
hand value, such as 8-high, in order to award the low half of the
pot. In some home games, there are qualifiers for high hands as
well: "Seven stud, trips-eight".
quartered
To win a quarter of a pot, usually by tying the low or high hand of
a high-low split game. Generally, this is an unwanted outcome, as a
player is often putting in a third of the pot in the hope of winning
a quarter of the pot back.
R
rabbit hunt
After a hand is complete, to reveal cards that would have been dealt
later in the hand had it continued. This is usually prohibited in
casinos because it slows the game and may reveal information about
concealed hands. Also "fox hunt".
raccoon
A poor player. See also fish.
To make calls based on the hopes of hitting runner runner, inside,
or backdoor draws
rack
1. A collection of 100 chips of the same denomination, usually
arranged in 5 stacks in a plastic tray.
2. A plastic tray used for storing a rack of chips.
race
See coin flip.
rag
A low-valued (and presumably worthless) card. I don't like playing
ace-rag from that position. Hence "ragged"/"raggy" - having a low
value: The flop was pretty ragged, so I figured my queens were good.
Though note that if a flop consists of consecutive or same-suited
low-value cards then it is not ragged/raggy, as it could be valuable
as part of a straight or flush.
rail
The rail is the sideline at a poker table—the (often imaginary) rail
separating spectators from the field of play. Watching from the rail
means watching a poker game as a spectator. "Going to the rail"
usually means "Losing all one's money".
railbird
A non-participatory spectator of a poker game
rainbow
Three or four cards of different suits, especially said of a flop.
Betting a rainbow: to make a bet of one chip of each colour
currently in play.
raise
See main article: raise.
rake
See main article: rake. Also "juice", "vig", "vigorish".
rakeback
Rebate/repayment to a player of a portion of the rake paid by that
player, normally from a non-cardroom, third-party source such as an
affiliate. Rakeback is paid in many ways by online poker rooms,
affiliates or brick and mortar rooms. Many use direct money payments
for online poker play. Brick and Mortar rooms usually use rate cards
to track and pay their rakeback. See main article: Rakeback.
Rakeback pro
Rakeback pro is the definition given to a poker player who may not
be a winning player, however, uses rakeback to supplement his losses
and turn them into winnings.
range of hands
The list of holdings that a player considers a opponent might have
when trying to deduce their holding. See also "put on".
rathole
To remove a portion of your chips from the table while the game is
underway. Normally prohibited in public card rooms. Also "going
south".
rebuy
An amount of chips purchased after the buy-in. In some tournaments,
players are allowed to rebuy chips one or more times for a limited
period after the start of the game, providing that their stack is at
or under its initial level. Compare with "add-on".
redeal
To deal a hand again, possibly after a misdeal.
redraw
To make one hand and have a draw for a better hand. Ted made a
straight on the turn with a redraw for a flush on the river..
Second or later draws in a draw game with multiple draws.
represent
To represent a hand is to play as if you hold it (whether you
actually hold it or are bluffing).
reraise
Raise after one has been raised. Also coming "over the top".
ring game
See main article: ring game.
river
The river or "river card" is the final card dealt in a poker hand,
to be followed by a final round of betting and, if necessary, a
showdown. In Texas hold 'em and Omaha hold'em, the river is the
fifth and last card to be dealt to the community card board, after
the flop and turn. A player losing the pot due only to the river
card is said to have been "rivered".
rock
A very tight player (plays very few hands and only continues with
strong hands).
A bundle of chips held together with a rubber band, or other token
signifying an obligatory live straddle. If the player under the gun
has the rock, he must use it to post a live straddle. The winner of
the pot collects the rock and is obligated to use it in turn.
rolled-up trips
In seven-card stud, three of a kind dealt in the first three cards.
rounder
An expert player who travels around to seek out high-stakes games
royal cards
Royal card are also known as face cards or picture cards. These
cards consist of the Jack, Queen, and King of any suit.
royal flush
A straight flush of the top five cards of any suit. This is
generally the highest possible hand.
run it twice, running it twice
A gentleman's agreement (which isn't allowed in some casinos) where
the players (usually two or three) agree to draw each remaining card
to come in two different occasions instead of just once after all
parties have gone all-in (two flops, turns and river for example for
a total of 10 community cards in 2 sets of 5). You may run twice the
flop, turn and river or just the turn and river or only the river.
Cards are usually not run retroactively unless the players expressly
request so (which is rare). The winner of one "run" gets half the
pot while the winner of the second "run" gets the other half.
Running it twice is done to minimize bad beats and reduce bankroll
swings. Running it twice is a form of insurance.
runner-runner
A hand made by hitting two consecutive cards on the turn and river.
Also "backdoor". Compare to "bad beat" and "suck out".
rush
A prolonged winning streak. A player who has won several big pots
recently is said to be on a rush. Also "heater".
S
sandbag
See Slow play (poker).
satellite
A tournament in which the prize is a free entrance to another
(larger) tournament.
scare card
A card dealt face up (either to a player in a game such as stud or
to the board in a community card game) that could create a strong
hand for someone. The Jack of spades on the turn was a scare card
because it put both flush and straight possibilities on the board.
scoop
In high-low split games, to win both the high and the low halves of
the pot.
second pair
In community card poker games, a pair of cards of the second-top
rank on the board. Second pair is a middle pair, but not necessarily
vice-versa. Compare bottom pair, top pair.
sell
In spread limit poker, to sell a hand is to bet less than the
maximum with a strong hand, in the hope that more of your opponents
will call the bet.
semi-bluff
When a player bluffs on one round of betting with an inferior or
drawing hand that might improve in a later round. See main article:
semi-bluff.
set
Three of a kind, esp. the situation where two of the cards are
concealed in the player's hole cards. Compare to "trips".
set-up
A deck that has been ordered, usually King to Ace by suit (spades,
hearts, clubs and diamonds). In casinos, it is customary to use a
set-up deck when introducing a new deck to the table. The set-up is
spread face up for the players to demonstrate that all of the cards
are present before the first shuffle. Also called to "spade the
deck".
sevens rule
A rule in many A-5 lowball games that requires a player with a
seven-low or better after the draw to bet, rather than check or
check-raise. In some venues a violator loses any future interest in
the pot; in others he forfeits his interest entirely.
shark
A professional player. See also card sharp.
shoe
A slanted container used to hold the cards yet to be dealt, usually
used by casinos or in professional poker tournaments.
shill
See main article: shill. Compare to "proposition player".
shootout
A poker tournament format where the last remaining player of a table
goes on to play the remaining players of other tables. Each table
plays independently of the others; that is, there is no balancing as
players are eliminated. This format is particularly common in
European televised poker programs, including Late Night Poker.
short buy
In no-limit poker, to buy into a game for considerably less money
than the stated maximum buyin, or less than other players at the
table have in play.
short stack
A stack of chips that is relatively small for the stakes being
played. Compare with "deep stack", "big stack".
shorthanded
A poker game that is played with around six players or fewer, as
opposed to a full ring game, which is usually nine or ten players. A
tournament where all tables are shorthanded at all times is called a
short table tournament.
showdown
When if more than one player remains after the last betting round,
remaining players expose and compare their hands to determine the
winner or winners. See main article: showdown.
side game
A ring game running concurrently with a tournament made up of
players who have either been eliminated or opted not to play the
tournament.
side pot
A separate pot created to deal with the situation of one player
going "all in". See Betting (poker).
sit and go
A poker tournament with no scheduled starting time that starts
whenever the necessary players have put up their money. Single-table
sit-and-goes, with nine or ten players, are the norm, but
multi-table games are common as well. Also called sit n' gos and a
variety of other similar spellings.
slow play
See main article: slow play.
slow roll
To delay or avoid showing one's hand at showdown, forcing other
players to expose their hands first. When done while holding a good
hand likely to be the winner, it is considered poor etiquette,
because it often gives other players "false hope" that their hands
might win before the slow-roller's is exposed.
small blind
See main article: blinds.
smooth call
See "flat call".
smooched
when someone manages to catch a slightly better hand. like a player
catching a slightly better 2 pair.. A5 vs A7 .. 7 on the river..
(you've been smooched).
snow
To play a worthless hand misleadingly in draw poker in order to
bluff.
The worthless hand in question.
soft-play
To intentionally go easy on a player (e.g. not betting or raising
against him when you usually would). Soft play is expressly
prohibited in most card rooms, and may result in penalties ranging
from forced sit-outs to forfeiture of stakes or winnings.
soft break
Exchanging a large bill or chip into both chips and cash, when a
player buys in. The cash is returned to the player and thus not in
play.
splash the pot
To throw one's chips in the pot in a disorderly fashion. Not
typically allowed, because the dealer can't tell how much has been
bet.
split
See main article: split and high-low split.
split two pair
In community card poker, a two pair hand, with each pair made of one
of your hole cards, and one community card.
spread
The range between a table's minimum and maximum bets.
spread-limit
A form of limit poker where the bets and raises can be between a
minimum and maximum value. The spread may change between rounds.
squeeze play
A bluff reraise in no limit hold'em with less-than-premium cards,
after another player or players have already called the original
raise. The goal is to bluff everyone out of the hand and steal the
bets. This play is most effective when a loose aggressive player
opens the pot and is called by one or more passive / weak players.
Assuming a standard raise of 3BBs, and only one caller, then the
minimum bluff squeezing stack is generally accepted as being at
least 18 BBs (this increases the more cold callers there are in the
pot).
stack
The total chips and currency that a player has in play at a given
moment.
A collection of 20 poker chips of the same denomination, usually
arranged in an orderly column.
stakes
The definition of the amount one buys in for and can bet. For
example, a "low stakes" game might be a $10 buy-in with a $1 maximum
raise.
staking
Staking is the act of one person putting up cash for a poker player
to play with in hopes that the player wins. Any profits are split on
a predetermined percentage between the backer and the player. A
backed player is often known as a "horse". The player will then use
the money to play in a tournament or ring game. Compare with
"bankroll".
stand pat
In draw poker, playing the original hand using no draws, either as a
bluff or in the belief it is the best hand.
starting hand
See main article: starting hand.
steal
See main article: steal.
steam
A state of anger, mental confusion, or frustration in which a player
adopts a less than optimal strategy, usually resulting in poor play
and poor performance. Compare to 'tilt'.
stop and go
Stop and go or stop 'n' go is when a player bets into another player
who has previously raised or otherwise shown aggression. Example: On
the flop, Bill bets into Tom, Tom raises, and Bill just calls. On
the turn, Bill bets into Tom again. Bill has just pulled a stop 'n'
go play.
Another version of the "stop and go" is in tournament poker when a
player raises pre-flop with the intention of going all in after the
flop regardless of the cards that fall. This is typically done when
the blinds are high and every chip becomes vital.
straddle bet
See main article: straddle bets.
straight
Poker hand: see main article: straight.
When used with an amount, indicates that the speaker is referring to
the total bet, versus the amount being raised. Alice bets twenty.
Bob raises to fifty straight. Meaning he called twenty and raised
thirty. Also "altogether" or "all day".
straight flush
See main article: straight flush.
strategy card
A wallet sized card that is commonly used to help with poker
strategies in online and casino games.
street
A street is another term for a dealt card or betting round, e.g. as
in first street, second street, third street (flop), fourth street
(turn), fifth street (river)
string bet
A call with one motion and a later raise with another, or a reach
for more chips without stating the intended amount. String bets are
prohibited in public cardroom rules. Compare to "forward motion". A
player can (and should) defend himself against string bet complaints
by declaring his intention before moving any chips. Note that the "I
call, and raise..." cliche is a string bet.
structured
A structured betting system is one where the spread of the bets may
change from round to round.
stud
A variant of poker. See main article: stud poker.
A card dealt face up in Stud poker.
subscription poker
Subscription poker is a form of online poker wherein users pay a
monthly fee to become eligible to play in real-money tournaments.
suck out
A situation when a hand heavily favored to win loses to an inferior
hand after all the cards are dealt. The winning hand is said to have
"sucked out". Compare to "bad beat".
suited
Having the same suit. See card suits.
suited connectors
See main article: suited connectors.
super satellite
A multi-table poker tournament in which the prize is a free entrance
to a satellite tournament or a tournament in which all the top
finishers gain entrance to a larger tournament.
T
table stakes
See main article: table stakes.
tag
A "tight aggressive" style of play in which a player plays a small
number of strong starting hands, but when in pots plays
aggressively.
tainted outs
Cards that improve a hand so that it is better than the other
current hands, but simultaneously improve other hands even more. See
also outs.
tell
A tell in poker is a detectable change in a player's behavior or
demeanor that gives clues to that player's assessment of his hand. A
player gains an advantage if he observes and understands the meaning
of another player's tell, particularly if the tell is unconscious
and reliable. Sometimes a player may fake a tell, hoping to induce
his opponents to make poor judgments in response to the false tell.
See main article: tell.
texture
How well coordinated the community cards are to one another. This is
used to estimate your relative hand strength: a pocket pair, for
example is of a higher value when the texture is uncoordinated (also
known as a dry board), as it reduces the probability that someone
has hit a stronger hand like a straight or a flush. See also dry
board and wet board.
third man walking
A player who gets up from his seat in a cash game, after two other
players are already away from the table, is referred to as the
"third man walking". In a casino with a "third man walking rule",
this player may be required to return to his seat within 10 minutes,
or one rotation of the deal around the table, or else his seat in
the game will be forfeited if there is a waiting list for the game.
three bet, three betting, 3-bet, 3bet
To be the first player to put in a 3rd unit of betting. For example,
if Bob opens for $10, and Mary raises to make the bet $20, if Ted
also raises to make the bet $30, this is to "three bet". (Before the
flop, 3-betting means re-raising the first raiser.)
three of a kind
See main article: three of a kind. Also "trips", "set".
three pair
In a seven card game, such as seven-card stud or Texas hold 'em, it
is possible for a player to have 3 pairs, although a player can only
play two of them as part of a standard 5-card poker hand. This
situation may jokingly be referred to as a player having a hand of
three pair. Note that in Omaha hold 'em, it is possible to "have" 4
pair in the same manner.
tight
To play fewer hands (and thus fewer weaker hands) than average for
the game or for the player normally. See loose/tight play. Compare
to "loose", "aggressive", "passive".
Having a tight is also slang for a "full house".
tilt
Emotional upset, mental confusion, or frustration in which a player
adopts a less than optimal strategy, usually resulting in poor play
and poor performance. See main article: tilt. Compare with 'steam'.
to go
The amount that a player is required to call in order to stay in the
hand, "Alice was deciding whether to call now it was $50 to go."
toke
In a brick and mortar casino, a toke is a "tip" given to the dealer
by the winner of the pot. Tokes often represent a large percentage
of a dealer's income.
top kicker
In community card poker games, top kicker is the best possible
kicker to some given hand. Usually it would be an Ace, but with an
Ace on the board it would be a King or lower.
top pair
In community card poker games, top pair is a pair comprising a
pocket card and the highest-ranking card on the board. Compare
second pair, bottom pair.
top two
A split two pair, matching the highest-ranking two flop cards.
trap
See slow play.
trey
A 3-spot card. Casino personnel refer to the 3♣ as the "trey of
clubs."
trips
When one of a player's hole cards in Texas hold 'em connects with
two cards on the board to make three of a kind. This differs from a
"set" where three of a kind is made when a pocket pair connects with
one card on the flop to make three of a kind.
turbo
A turbo is a type of tournament where the blind levels increase much
faster than in standard play.
turn
The turn or "turn card" or "fourth street" is the fourth of five
cards dealt to a community card board, constituting one face-up
community card that each of the players in the game can use to make
up their final hand. See also flop and river.
U
under the gun
The playing position to the direct left of the blinds in Texas hold
'em or Omaha hold 'em. The player who is under the gun must act
first on the first round of betting.
underdog
An underdog or dog is a player with a smaller chance to win than
another specified player. Frequently used when the exact odds are
expressed. Harry might have been bluffing, but if he really had the
king, my hand was a 4-to-1 dog, so I folded.
underfull
A full house made where the three of a kind has lower-ranking cards
than the pair. I had the underfull when the flop came A-A-5 and I
had pocket 5's in the hole. Can be beaten by the "big full".
up
When used with a card rank to describe a poker hand, refers to two
pair with the named card being the higher pair. For example, a hand
of QQ885 might be called "queens up".
upcard
A card that is played face up. See main article: upcard.
upswing
A period during which a player wins more (or loses less) than
expected. See also: Up 'downswing'.
up the ante
Increase the stake. Also commonly used outside the context of poker.
upstairs
See raise.
V
value bet
A bet made by a player who wants it to be called (as opposed to a
bluff or protection bet). This is typically because he has a
superior hand that he expects to win at showdown, or a very good
draw for which he can increase his pot equity by more than the
amount of his bet. See value.
variance
The statistical measure of how far actual results differ from
expectation. See main article: 'variance'.
vigorish, vig
The rake. See main article: vigorish.
VPIP
A statistic that stands for Voluntary Put Money In Pot. It
represents the percentage of hands with which a player puts money
into the pot pre-flop, without counting any blind postings. Also
called VP$IP. VPIP is an excellent measure of how tight or loose a
player is.
W
wake up
To "wake up with a hand" means to discover a strong starting hand,
often when there has already been action in front of the player.
walk
A walk is the situation where all players fold to the big blind.
wash
To mix the deck by spreading the cards face down on the table and
mixing them up. A dealer may wash the deck before shuffling.
weak ace
An ace with a low kicker (e.g. four). Also "small ace," "soft ace,"
"ace-rag."
weak player
A player who is easily bullied out of a hand post-flop by any sort
of action (betting, raising), whether he has the best hand or not.
Weak players are usually but not always nits. Weak players are poker
player's favorite opponents second only to calling stations.
webcam poker
A form of online poker which allows players to watch each other
during play via a webcam. Webcam poker gives competitors the chance
to observe their rivals' reactions in virtual poker games and
tournaments. Players can see the cards being dealt by live webcam
poker dealers, rather than random number generators.
wet board
The texure of the community cards. A "wet board" is when the cards
on the table make it possible for players to have hit strong hands
like straights, flushes or draws. The opposite is a dry board.
wheel
A 5-high straight (A-2-3-4-5), with the Ace playing low. See List of
poker hands and Lowball (poker).
In deuce-to-seven lowball, the nut low hand (2-3-4-5-7).
wild card
See main article: wild card. Compare to bug.
window card
An upcard in stud poker. The first window card in stud is called the
"door card". In Texas hold'em and Omaha, the window card is the
first card shown when the dealer puts out the three cards for the
flop.
wrap
In Omaha hold 'em, an open ended straight draw comprising two board
cards and three or four cards from a player's hand. A player holding
345A with the board 67K has a "wrap", as any 3, 4, or 5, or 8 will
make a straight. A hand of 4589 would also be a wrap draw, but would
often be referred to as a "big wrap" because it has twenty outs
rather than thirteen, and is not at the idiot end.