Poker Jargon Buster

Due to the growing popularity of online gaming, the amount of poker players has increased significantly in the past 10 years. Whether you want to play online or inside the card room, getting started can be difficult. If you’re a newcomer looking for some guidance on how to play poker, the first thing you’ll want to learn is the lingo. Knowing what certain terms mean really matters when it comes to poker playing and when you’re in the know, you’ll have a better chance of hitting the jackpot.

The poker world may seem a little daunting to those who have never played before but with this basic glossary of poker terms found below, you’ll be much better prepared for whatever comes your way!

All-In

To go all in is to bet your last remaining chips on the hand you’re playing. In a table stakes game, you cannot dive into your wallet for extra cash during this hand. If the other players want to carry on rising, a side pot is created in which you would play no part. However the original pot is still up for grabs.

Blind

A compulsory bet, alternating between all the players on the table (typically the player immediately to the left of the button). A blind is placed before any cards are dealt at the start of each hand.

Big Blind

Typically used in a Texas Hold’em game, the big blind is normally a full first round bet.

Board

Board refers to all the community cards in a Hold’em game, the flop, the turn and the river cards.

Call

To call is to equal the most recent bet or raise in the pot.

Center Pot

The center pot is the first pot created during a poker hand. Opposed to one or more side pots created when players go all-in.

Check

Checking is to not bet, this option is only available when the player/s betting before you have not raised the pot.

Dealer

The player in the game or hand who is actually dealing the cards. At a casino table a professional dealer may be appointed. In this case it is necessary to identify the player who would normally be dealing the cards because this determines who puts in the blinds. A dealer button is used to identify the player at the beginning of each hand.

Tell

This is a hint or a clue that is given by a player unknowingly, revealing the strength of his hand and his next action. Examples of a ‘tell’ would be the slight raise of an eyebrow, a hidden smile or a cover-up cough.

So, if you’re looking to take the world of poker by storm you’re already on the route to success. Keep this glossary in the back of your mind at all times and you’ll surely beat the best.