33 Essential Poker Terms to Know
No matter when you begin playing poker, the vital thing to note is that everyone has a beginning. Even the most seasoned poker expert had a start somewhere. If you want to get into the poker world, one of the most valuable things you can invest in is knowledge of poker terms. There are ample fundamentals to understand.
From whom the person is handing out the cards to what you’re holding in your hand, there are ample poker terms that will make it far easier to speak with others and know what’s going on in a game. Keep reading to become familiar with 33 essential poker terms we think every aspiring player should understand.
1. Pot
The pot is the amount of money in the center of the table during a game of poker. It is the total amount wagered. It’s a monetary amount and will range depending on the competition and how many people are playing.
2. All-In
All-in is where a poker player puts all their chips in the pot. It’s a massive bet and a stroke of confidence from the player.
3. Ante
Ante is the small bet the players must make at the beginning. Every player is required to make their ante before the cards are dealt.
4. Blind
While an ante is played by all players at the table, a blind is only played by two. A blind happens when two players to the left of the dealer put in a small amount of money in the pot. It’s often used in poker games like Texas Hold ‘Em.
5. Big Blind
A big blind is two times the value of a small blind. It’s played by the person to the left of the individual who put in the small blind, which we will discuss next.
6. Small Blind
A small blind is played by the person to the left of the dealer. It goes in conjunction with the big blind, which we discussed earlier.
7. Bubble
A bubble is the top players in a poker tournament. Not all of them will emerge victorious, but they will likely all be heading home with some form of monetary prize.
8. Tournament
If there is one or more tables of players playing poker for one single prize, it’s a tournament. There is a fixed amount of poker chips at the beginning of the tournament, established ahead of player entry.
9. Check
Check means you aren’t putting down a bet for that round of play. However, you can only play a check if there are no bets placed for that hand yet.
10. Raise
Raise means to add the appropriate amount necessary for the wager, and then some. It raises the wagering amount for that hand.
11. Call
A call is when the player adds in the minimum amount necessary to the pot to keep play going. It doesn’t add anything else.
12. Check-Raise
A check-raise happens when the participant checks right when they can bet. Then, they raise bets in the same round.
13. Fold
A fold is when a player gives up and sets their cards face-down on the table. They lose everything bet thus far in the round.
14. Bluff
Bluff is when the better bets on a weaker hand. The goal of a bluff is to get the other players to fold so you can win with a weak hand.
Related: Common Poker Tells and How to Spot Them
15. Pair
A pair is any two cards that match.
16. Two-Pair
A two-pair includes two pairs of cards. For example, two kings and two aces.
Related: The 11 Types of Poker
17. Flush
A flush is five cards in the same suit. However, they are not all the same number.
18. Full House
A full house is three of a kind and a pair of a different number.
19. Royal Flush
The royal flush is a flush with an ace as the highest number. It’s the best hand you can have in a standard poker game.
20. Straight Flush
A straight flush is a sequence of five cards in the same suite. It’s lower than a royal flush.
21. Button
A button is a small puck used to mark the player who is dealing as well as big blind and small blind. It works to prevent confusion in large games.
22. Three-of-a-Kind
Three-of-a-kind is self-explanatory. It’s three cards with the same number.
23. High-Card Winner
If no one has a significant hand, the high-card winner is the person who has the highest card value in their hand.
24. Tell
A tell is an indicator of the strength of your hand. It’s something someone gives off without knowing.
25. Rock
A rock is the “tight” player. They are the people who often fold and don't bother with bluffing.
26. Semi-Bluff
A semi-bluff is a bluff that needs improvement. It happens if the first bluff does not work well on the other players.
27. Bad Beat
A bad beat happens when a person starts with the upper hand. However, they lose the hand after a turn, river, or flop.
28. Clock
A clock is when someone takes too long on a play or is disruptive. It’s a call that happens to other players.
29. Slow Play
Slow play is when a person plays a hand far more slowly and cautiously than is necessary. Not many people use a less aggressive method, but some prefer this strategy.
30. River
A river is the last of the five community cards in the center of the table. It’s a common term thrown around in various poker variations.
31. Community Cards
Community cards are cards dealt face-up on the table. All the players use these cards to create their hands.
32. Dealer
The dealer deals cards. This term is self-explanatory.
33. Burn Card
The burn card involves discarding the top card before each round of betting. It ensures the play is fair in each turn.
34. Turn or Fourth Street
The turn or fourth street is the fourth community card, and it’s dealt face-up. It sits alone on the board, which is why it has its name. It’s the turn of the game.
35. Board
The board is the table the players use when creating a hand. It’s an essential part of gameplay and looks the same in tournament games. Sometimes, there are markings on the board.
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