Poker Glossary: 21 Basic Poker Terms
Just like any game or specialty field, Poker has its own jargon. Below are some of the most basic Poker terms to help you get started. Some of these words apply to Poker in general; others are used only specific Poker variations.
1. ANGLE-SHOOTING. The use of unethical strategies in a game.
2. BLIND. An obligatory bet that is made before cards are dealt, also known as forced bet. The first two players seated at the dealer's left make two such bes. These players make those bets not knowing what their cards will be, hence it is "blind."
3. BUY-IN. To join a Poker game, a player must bring money with them. The buy-in is the minimum amount required. It is your total budget for playing at the table. The buy-in amount varies from table to table.
4. BLUFF. To try to make other players believe one has a strong hand by boldly raising or calling bets. The objective is to win the pot by making other players fold.
5. CALL. To match a bet.
6. CALLING STATION. A player who habitually calls bets regardless of the bet amount or the quality of their hand.
7. COMMUNITY CARDS. These are cards that don't belong to one player, but to all. They are dealt face up on the table. Also known as "dealer cards."
8. DEALER'S BUTTON. A disc used to indicate the "dealer's position." The player in this position is the last to act in a round, giving them the advantage of observing others first.
9. HAND. A card combination, as defined by established Poker hand rankings. The hand ranking system is used to decide which player has the best hand at the end of a game.
10. HOLE CARDS. The initial cards that a player is dealt, also known as the starting hand.
11. FLOP. In some Poker games, the first three community cards to be dealt, facing up.
12. FOLD. To leave the game. Done when a player has a weak hand.
13. KICKER. The highest unmatched card in a hand, used as a tie-breaker when two players finish with hands of equal rank.
14. LIMIT. When a Poker game is played with wagering limits. Bets are incremented according to set rules.
15. MUCK. To throw away one's hand. In games played at home without an experienced dealer, it is possible to not recognize a winning hand and let someone else in. In casinos and online Poker, the dealer always judges who has the best hand.
16. NO LIMIT. When players can wager as much money as they wish, if they have it.
17. POT. The total money wagered by all players, placed at the center of the table.
18. RAISE. To increase the bet being wagered.
19. RIVER. The last community card dealt some Poker games.
20. TURN. The fourth card dealt in some Poker games.
21. UNDER THE GUN. Being the first player to act, a disadvantageous position.
We have left out hand-ranking names and related terms as these can be found in articles dedicated to hand rankings. Poker is a fun game to play once you have become familiar with the basic terms. Hopefully this glossary will help you. Good luck!