Some Basic Poker Terms

Written by Nigel

Before we get into the rules of poker (there are a lot of different varieties remember), let’s take a look at some of the most common terms that you will encounter. Though there are different variations of poker, there are some terms common to them all. Try to familiarize yourself with these terms so as not to look like a total ignoramus while you are at the table.

All in – To bet all the chips that you have left while at the table.

Ante - A nominal amount that’s placed in the pot by every player before the hole cards are dealt. Antes sit on top of the small and big blind.

Bet – To place a certain amount of money in the pot.

Check - A move wherein you do not raise nor bet but still stay in the game.

Flop - The name for the first three cards dealt, face-up on the board, in community card games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

Fold - If you fold your hand in poker, you lay down your cards and stop playing the hand. You are out. You give it up. You’re done.

Freeroll – A tournament wherein you don’t have to pay anything to enter, but still provides a prize – like the PokerPlayer Grand Prix…

Pot – The collection of money that is up for grabs.

Raise – To do more than call the bet – you increase the bet by a certain amount.

River - The name for the fifth card dealt, face-up on the board, in community card games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

Obviously, there are more terms used in poker than the ones above. For beginners, however, you can survive on these for a while then learn as you go along.

[tags]poker, poker terms, poker slang[/tags]