How to Understand Poker Terminology

You could hear many words used that you may not understand, when you play the game of poker. Whether it is Texas Hold 'em poker, stud poker, draw poker, Omaha Hold 'em poker or any other form of poker; you should be familiar with the meaning of the most commonly used poker terms. Once you know the language of the game, you can easily understand and communicate with other poker player’s. You will present yourself as a seasoned player, even if this is the first time you play the game.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Bad beat--when a poker player loses a strong hand.
2. Blind--a bet that is mandatory. This could include one, two or three player’s that are seated to the left of the button.
3. Bluff--when a poker player deceives other player’s by over betting a weak hand.
4. Button--a small circular disc that is rotated around the table and indicates the player who is acting as the dealer for each hand.
5. Call--when you match a previous player’s bet.
6. Check--when no player’s place any bets, but stay in the round with the options of placing future bets.
7. Check-raise--when a player who first “checks” in a round, then “raises” when it is time to bet again.
8. Flop--the first three cards placed on the table face-up in the Texas Holdem and Omaha Holdem poker games.
9. Fold--when a player withdraws from a hand by throwing in their cards.
10. Fourth street (turn)--the fourth card placed on the poker table face-up in Holdem games.
11. Fifth street (river)--is the fifth and final card placed on the poker table face-up in Holdem games.
12. Hi-lo (High-low) split--when a pot is separated between the poker player with the highest ranking hand and the poker player with the lowest ranking hand.
13. Hole cards--the poker player’s face-down cards.
14. Kicker--a card that is counted to break a tie between equally ranking hands, but is not included in the actual hands rank.
15. Out(s)--an unknown card(s) that will enhance a poker player’s hand.
16. Position--the location of a poker player in reference to the dealer button.
17. Pot--the money at stake during one round of poker.
18. Showdown--when all poker players who are still in the hand after all bets have been placed compare hands to single out the winning hand.
19. Tell(s)--a noticeable modification in a poker player’s actions or manners, which give hints to other player’s of the hand held by this player.
20. Tilt--when a poker player is in a state of mental confusion.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a dealer or other player about any words used that you do not understand.