If you’re new to poker or looking to level up your game, understanding poker terminology is essential. Knowing the lingo not only helps you follow the action but also makes you sound like a seasoned pro. From common phrases to insider slang, here’s the ultimate glossary to help you talk the talk and walk the walk at the poker table.
Basic Poker Terms
Ante
A small, mandatory bet each player puts in the pot before a hand is dealt. It helps build the pot and encourages action.
Blinds
Forced bets made by the two players to the left of the dealer button – the Small Blind and Big Blind. These bets create initial pot action.
Board
The community cards placed face-up in the center of the table in games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Players use these shared cards to make the best hand.
Button
A small disk that represents the dealer’s position at the table. The button rotates clockwise after each hand. Being “on the button” is the most favorable position as you act last.
Burn Card
A card discarded from the top of the deck before dealing the flop, turn, and river. This prevents card tracking or cheating.
Buy-In
The amount of money required to enter a poker game or tournament.
Betting Terms
Check
To pass the action to the next player without making a bet. This can only be done if no bet has been made during the current betting round.
Bet
Wagering chips into the pot during a betting round.
Raise
Increasing the amount of a current bet, forcing other players to either call, fold, or raise again.
Call
Matching the current highest bet to stay in the hand.
Fold
Discarding your hand and ending your participation in the current round.
All-In
Betting all your remaining chips. In this scenario, you can only win the amount that other players have matched.
Poker Slang and Fun Terms
Bad Beat
Losing a hand despite having a statistically stronger position. Usually involves an opponent getting lucky on the turn or river.
Big Slick
A nickname for Ace-King (AK). Considered a strong starting hand in Texas Hold’em.
Fish
A weak or inexperienced player who is likely to lose money.
Donkey (Donk)
A player who makes poor decisions and unorthodox plays.
Shark
A highly skilled and experienced player.
Nut Hand (The Nuts)
The best possible hand at any given moment.
Gutshot
An inside straight draw, needing one specific card to complete the straight.
Slow Play
Playing a strong hand passively to trap opponents and maximize profit.
Tilt
Emotional frustration leading to poor decision-making.
Poker Face
A neutral expression used to avoid giving away any information about your hand.
Online Poker Terms
Freeroll
A poker tournament with no entry fee but real cash or token prizes.
Multi-Table Tournament (MTT)
A tournament format where multiple tables are used and players consolidate as others are eliminated until one winner remains.
Sit & Go (SNG)
A tournament that starts as soon as the required number of players have registered.
Railbird
A spectator watching an online poker game.
Emoji Bluff
Using emojis or chat to fake confidence or weakness in an online game.
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