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glossary

Action

In a betting round, the player's actions are referred to as "action". These actions can take the form of check, bet, call, raise, re-raise, or fold. Each action represents the player's decision and strategy in the game. It is through these actions that players express their intentions, whether it be to maintain a cautious approach or to take risks and assert dominance over the table. The choice of action can greatly influence the outcome of the game, adding excitement and unpredictability to each round of play.

All-in

If a player goes all-in, they bet all of their remaining chips.

Ante

An ante is a mandatory, small forced bet that every player must contribute before seeing the cards, in order to form a pot. In most Hold'em variations, such an ante is not present; instead, the pot is formed using "blinds". In many poker variations, as well as in late Texas Hold'em tournament phases, a predetermined ante must be provided before each round of play.

Bad Beat

A bad beat occurs when a significantly weaker hand beats a very strong hand. In a bad beat, the ultimate winner of the hand had no business being in the pot and only won thanks to extreme luck with the cards. As a general rule, the chances of the seemingly hopeless hand winning are often estimated to be between 5 to 10 percent.

Bankroll

The available budget you have for playing poker with real money, for instance, in your online poker account.

Bankroll Management

Being prudent and responsible with one's poker funds is of utmost importance. It is crucial to strike a balance and avoid placing excessive bets, as well as being cautious not to wager too little. A careful and calculated approach is key to maintaining a sustainable bankroll. It is advisable to exercise self-control and never succumb to impulsive decisions that could jeopardize the financial stability of one's poker endeavors. Remember, it is always wise to play within one's means and establish a well-thought-out strategy to maximize success.

Bet

In any round of poker, the initial chips contributed to the pot during a particular phase of the game ("street") are referred to as bets. Prior to the flop, the small blind is the first wager made, known as the "first bet."

Bigstack

A player at the table with an abundance of chips.

Blind

The forced bets before the start of a game round are known as blinds. The player to the left of the dealer is responsible for paying the small blind, while the player to the left of them pays the big blind. The amount for the big blind is always twice as large as the small blind.

Bluff

Bluffing is one of the key tactics in poker. Constantly playing only strong hands and folding every time one has a weak hand is not a sustainable approach for long-term success at the poker table. When bluffing, a player attempts to persuade one or more opponents to fold their hands by placing a bet or raising, even without having a good hand themselves. It is an art of deception and calculated risk-taking, vital for a winning strategy in poker.

Board

The community cards, known as the board, are the five cards that are placed on the table and are shared by all players.

Bubble

When you find yourself in the bubble, it means that only one player needs to be eliminated from the tournament for all the remaining players to secure a spot in the prize money ranks. The next player to be eliminated from the table, known as the "bubble boy," unfortunately walks away empty-handed, while all other players receive a payout.

Button

At the poker table, the dealer position is determined by the dealer button, a large token. After each round of play, the button moves one position to the left. However, in private poker games, it is only the players at the table who are responsible for shuffling and dealing the cards. In a casino, this task is taken care of by the croupier. In online games, the cards are automatically distributed. The button is also crucial for the game strategy, as the player who receives the button for the current round, also known as the "button," must start the betting rounds.

Buy-in

The entry fee is the amount that players must pay in order to participate in a tournament or sit n go. Typically, the entry fee is used to finance the prize pool, although the casino reserves a small fee as rake. This fee is deducted from the entry fee and is a way for the casino to generate revenue.

Call

When a player at the table makes a bet, you call to match their wager.

Calling Station

A player who engages in numerous hands, frequently calls, and rarely raises or folds is known as a Calling Station.

Cash Game

Cash Game is a variation of poker where the blinds remain constant, and players have the freedom to buy more chips at any given moment. In this format, the chips hold equivalent value to real money.

Check

If no other player has made a raised bet, one can also opt to check, meaning neither placing a bet nor performing a fold.

Community Cards

Community cards are the shared cards placed in the center that all players at the table can use to form a poker hand. These open communal cards serve as a common pool for all participants, allowing them to strategize and create their winning combinations. They contribute to the excitement and unpredictability of the game, as players must carefully consider how these community cards can enhance their own hand. The utilization of community cards adds an element of shared decision-making and adaptability, making every round of poker a unique and thrilling experience.

Continuation-Bet

A Continuation Bet is referred to when a player who placed or raised a bet before the flop continues to bet after the flop. This demonstrates the player's continued aggression, just as they did before the flop.

Cut Off

The position or player directly to the right of the dealer is referred to as the Cut Off.

Deal

The remaining participants in a poker tournament come to an agreement and distribute the prize money amongst themselves. They collectively decide to divvy up the winnings, ensuring that each player receives a fair share. This act of solidarity demonstrates the camaraderie and sportsmanship inherent in the game of poker. By reaching a mutual understanding, they showcase the importance of cooperation and fairness in competitive environments. Ultimately, this arrangement fosters a sense of unity and satisfaction among the players, as they collectively celebrate their accomplishments and contributions to the game.

Draw

When it comes to poker, a draw refers to holding an incomplete hand that has the potential to become a strong hand. A prime example of a draw is a flush, where one card is still needed to complete the hand. Embracing the uncertainty and strategic possibilities of draws is an integral part of the game, as players eagerly anticipate the card that could turn their draw into a winning hand. Mastering the art of playing draws can significantly enhance one's chances of success in the thrilling world of poker.

Drawing Dead

If you're still in the game, holding a hand with a 0% chance of winning, then you're what is known as Drawing Dead.

Donkbet

Donkbet refers to placing a bet out of position, where the player who raised in the previous round has not yet acted. This strategic move allows the player to take control of the pot and potentially exploit their opponent's hesitation. By initiating the betting action, the donkbetter aims to convey strength and assert dominance in the hand. This maneuver can be a powerful tool to disrupt the flow of the game and force opponents to make difficult decisions. However, it requires careful consideration of the board texture, player tendencies, and overall table dynamics. Skilled players employ the donkbet sparingly, using it as a surprise weapon in their arsenal to keep opponents guessing and gain an edge in the game.

Downswing

A phase in poker when one experiences a prolonged streak of bad luck.

Edge

Having an advantage over another player or even the casino is a boon. A poker pro possesses an edge over less experienced players. Furthermore, a superior hand holds an advantage over an inferior one. Additionally, having a better position relative to another player can be referred to as an edge.

Equity

The "Pot Equity" refers to the expected share the player can anticipate from the pot. In a scenario where the pot holds 80 dollars and the player's statistical chances of winning the pot are at 50%, their pot equity would amount to 40 dollars.

EV

Expected Value, also known as EV, is the term used in gambling. In German, EV is referred to as Erwartungswert. A positive expected value, commonly denoted as +EV, results in an average increase in credit. If one makes a profit of $500 in 100 hours, their hourly expectation is $5. This allows for the calculation of statistically anticipated earnings.

Final Table

A Multi Table Tournament (MTT) is a tournament format that involves multiple tables. Once there are only 9 or 10 players remaining in total, they are brought together at the Final Table, the ultimate stage of the competition.

Fisch

In poker, players who lack strategy and become easy targets for skilled opponents are often referred to as "fish." These individuals often play haphazardly, making them vulnerable to more experienced players at the table.

Flush

Five playing cards of the same suit, be it hearts, diamonds, spades, or clubs.

Fold

He who folds relinquishes the current game round and opts out.

Fold Equity

This concerns the likelihood of one or more opponents folding, resulting in winning the hand. It revolves around the probability that an adversary or adversaries will concede, thus leading to victory. The focal point is the chance that a rival or rivals will retreat, thereby securing triumph. This pertains to the probability that an adversary or adversaries will surrender, thus achieving success. It encompasses the likelihood of one or more foes yielding, thereby securing the hand. This is about the possibility that one or more adversaries will bow out, resulting in a triumphant outcome. It centers around the probability that a competitor or competitors will withdraw, leading to a successful hand.

Freeroll

In Freeroll tournaments, the entry fee is waived. However, participants still have the chance to win prizes, often in the form of tickets to higher-value competitions.

Full House

A hand composed of a pair and a three-of-a-kind.

Full Ring

A Full-Ring is a table where you play against 9 or 10 players.

Gutshot

If you hold four cards to a straight but are missing one of the middle cards to complete it, your chances of making a winning hand are significantly reduced. It's important to assess the situation carefully and consider the potential outcomes before making any decisions. Keep in mind that relying on that missing card can be risky, so exploring alternative strategies might be a wise move. Remember, poker is a game of probabilities, and knowing when to fold or pursue a different approach can make all the difference in the long run. Stay vigilant and adapt your gameplay accordingly to maximize your chances of success.

Heads-up

When only two players remain competing for a pot or tournament victory.

Hole Cards

At the commencement of each hand, players receive concealed cards. In Texas Hold'em, two cards are dealt, while in Omaha, four hole cards are distributed.

Implied Odds

Calculate the odds at the presumed final pot size, not the current pot amount. Thus, one must add the potential winnings from this hand to the odds.

Independent Chip Model

The Independent Chip Model (ICM) assumes significance during the later stages of a tournament when players have relatively smaller stacks. It becomes especially crucial during negotiations for deals. The ICM assigns a monetary value to a player's chips.

Kicker

Side card, which determines the winner when two or more players have nearly the same hand at the showdown.

Late Position

A prime spot at the table during each round, where one can be the last or one of the last players to make a decision on betting, raising, or folding. Situating oneself strategically in order to gain a significant advantage over opponents and maximize opportunities for success. The importance of securing a favorable position cannot be overstated, as it allows for better observation and information gathering, leading to more informed and calculated moves. So, whether it's holding out for the right moment to make a bold bet or playing it safe by folding, having the advantage of being one of the final decision-makers can greatly impact one's chances of coming out victorious.

Limit

The amount of blinds determines the maximum amount of money that can be raised. For instance, in No Limit (NL) Texas Hold'em, there is no limit, whereas in Pot Limit, you can only bet up to the value of the pot.

clean up

If one simply calls the big blind in the first betting round, it is known as limping.

Loose

A loose player plays an unusually high number of hands.

Made Hand

A complete card that does not require any further cards. In contrast to the draw or an incomplete hand.

Middle Position

In this game, you won't find yourself sitting at the end of the table or right after the dealer. Instead, you'll be positioned between the blinds and the late position.

Min Cash

The Min Cash represents the smallest available profit in a poker prize money tournament.

Min Raise

If only the smallest possible amount is increased.

Nuts

The utmost achievable hand at any given moment on the poker table. The term "Nuts" is commonly used to describe the optimal flush (Nut Flush) or the optimal straight (Nut Straight).

Odds

Odds indicate the percentage chance of improving your hand and winning with it.

Offsuit

Two cards with different colors, such as hearts and diamonds or spades and clubs.

Outs

The remaining cards in the deck that would improve your hand if drawn are known as the outs.

Open Raise

An open raise occurs when a player is the first to enter the pot before the flop by raising, following all other players folding their hands.

Out of Position

Playing out of position means being the first player to act in each postflop round, depriving oneself of any information about the cards held by opponents. This can be a challenging situation as it requires making decisions without the advantage of knowing what others will do.

Pot Odds

Pot odds refer to the ratio between the size of the pot and the required call. For instance, if there are $20 in the pot and it costs $2 to make the call, the pot odds would be 1/10 or 10%.

Preflop

The pre-flop, which occurs before the dealing of the community cards, marks the commencement of the betting round in Texas Hold'em Poker. This initial stage sets the tone for the game, as players are required to make their first wagers based solely on their hole cards. It is during this pivotal moment that strategic decisions are made, with each participant carefully assessing their hand strength and gauging the competition. By actively engaging in the pre-flop betting round, players can position themselves advantageously for the subsequent stages of the game, ultimately aiming for success at the poker table.

Postflop

The gameplay on the flop and in the subsequent betting rounds.

Rainbow Flop

If the flop consists of three distinct card suits and there are only minimal chances of a flush, it is important to reassess your strategy. The diversity in colors on the flop indicates that the possibility of completing a flush is quite low. In such cases, it would be prudent to focus on other potential winning combinations or consider the strength of your hole cards. Adapting your approach based on the specific circumstances of the game is crucial for maximizing your chances of success.

Raise

By making a raise, you increase the bet made by an opponent.

Rake

The rake is the fee paid to the organizer, whether it be the casino or the online poker site, from the pot. On average, 5 percent of the pot is collected as rake.

Rakeback

Regular customers and VIP players are regularly reimbursed a fixed percentage of the rakes or the monthly or annual losses. VIP players and loyal patrons often receive a predetermined portion of the rakes or their monthly and yearly losses as a refund. Loyal patrons and VIP players can expect to receive a set percentage of their rakes or monthly and yearly losses reimbursed on a regular basis. A fixed proportion of the rakes or the losses incurred on a monthly or yearly basis is refunded to the VIP players and loyal customers. VIP players and regular patrons are entitled to a fixed percentage refund of the rakes or losses incurred monthly or annually.

Range

Any cards of value that a player, whose cards you don't know, might be holding are considered "hands."

Reversed Implied Odds

When considering Reversed Implied Odds, one takes into account the possibility of losing money during later betting rounds in a hand. It is essential to subtract this potential loss from the pot when calculating the odds.

River

The final community card (fifth) in Texas Hold'em Poker is known as "the last card."

Royal Flush

The strongest hand in poker is a straight flush, which is a sequence of cards in the same suit that ends with an ace.

Runner Runner

If there are still two specific cards missing to complete one's hand after the flop.

Satellite

Satellites are an opportunity for players to secure a complimentary entry into significant online or live tournaments through winning. These events provide a chance to compete in high-stakes competitions without incurring any financial costs initially. By participating in satellites, players have the potential to earn a coveted spot in prestigious tournaments, where they can showcase their skills and vie for substantial prizes. These qualifying events offer an accessible pathway for aspiring players to join the ranks of elite competitors, amplifying their chances of success in the world of competitive poker. Don't miss out on the exhilarating experience and the possibility of catapulting your poker career to new heights through satellite tournaments.

Semibluff

A semi-bluff refers to making a bet or a raise with a hand that is likely already beaten but still has a small chance of winning on the river. Despite the less favorable odds, a semi-bluff can be a strategic move to deceive opponents and potentially win the pot. It involves a calculated risk, where players hope to improve their hand or force their opponents to fold. By employing a semi-bluff, players can maintain an element of uncertainty and keep their opponents guessing, increasing their chances of success in the game.

Set

A set is formed by a trio consisting of the pair you hold in your hand and a community card. It combines your hand's pair with a community card to create a powerful three-of-a-kind.

Shorthanded

A poker game at the table with only three to a maximum of six players.

Shove

With a shove, one goes all-in, pushing all the chips into the middle of the table.

Showdown

The moment of truth arrives when all the remaining contenders at the table reveal their cards. In a sequential fashion, players flip over their cards, with the one seated to the left of the dealer button taking the lead. This is the grand showdown, where fortunes are unveiled and the victor emerges.

Slow Play

Slow play refers to the strategic approach of a player who chooses to act cautiously and play at a slower pace during the initial betting rounds, despite holding a highly promising hand. The objective behind this tactic is to encourage as many opponents as possible to remain in the game.

Slow Roll

Slow rolling is when a player deliberately reveals their winning hand at the showdown in a slow and theatrical manner. It is considered one of the cardinal sins among seasoned poker players. It involves unnecessarily prolonging the suspense and creating a spectacle that can be infuriating for opponents. Such conduct is widely frowned upon in the poker community, as it goes against the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship. Experienced players deem slow rolling as disrespectful and unethical, as it shows a lack of respect for the game and the players involved. In order to maintain a positive and respectful poker environment, it is important to avoid engaging in slow rolling and instead embrace fair and considerate behavior at the table.

Snapcall

A Snappcall is the instant call of an all-in raise, without taking much time to think about it.

Sit ‚n‘ Go

A tournament format in live and online poker is available. The tournaments take place with varying pre-determined numbers of participants and commence once all the tickets for the available starting spots have been sold out.

Split Pot

The shared pot, known as the Split Pot, is divided among multiple opponents who hold hands of equal value during the showdown. This occurs when several players end up with cards of the same rank, resulting in a tie. Therefore, the pot is split evenly among these individuals, ensuring fairness and a balanced outcome.

Stack

The stack represents the player's available funds or chips at the table. It serves as their financial resource during gameplay, providing them with the means to place bets and make strategic moves. The stack size directly impacts a player's ability to take risks, make calculated decisions, and potentially win big. As such, it is essential for players to manage their stack effectively, preserving their resources and capitalizing on advantageous situations. A well-maintained stack can be a powerful tool, enabling players to navigate the game with confidence and control.

Straight

"Straight" is the English term for a street, which means five consecutive cards.

Straight Flush

The second strongest hand in the game is having a flush with all cards of the same suit. It is crucial to gather a combination of cards that are of the same design and follow a sequential pattern. This hand is highly sought after because it holds immense power and potential for victory. To achieve this hand, players must strategize and carefully select their cards, ensuring they possess the same color and form a straight line in numerical order. It requires skill, foresight, and a dash of luck to acquire this formidable hand, making it a prized possession in any game.

Tank

A player enters what is known as the "tank" when they contemplate a decision at length and in great detail. This state of deep reflection allows them to carefully weigh their options before making a move. It is during these moments that they delve into the depths of their strategic thinking, exploring every angle and considering all possible outcomes. The tank is a mental space where concentration and analysis converge, where intuition and rationality intermingle. It is a place where the player seeks clarity amidst the complexity of the game, honing their skills and sharpening their tactics. In the tank, time seems to slow down, as if the universe grants them a momentary respite to ponder the next move that could tilt the scales of victory.

Tell

Tells are crucial in live poker, as they are unconscious movements, gestures, or behaviors that inadvertently reveal the strength of a player's hand or disclose their next move in specific situations.

Tilt

When a player goes on tilt, they essentially lose control. A player loses their emotional balance due to a streak of bad luck and begins to play recklessly, metaphorically throwing their chips around.

Tight Aggressive

A player who predominantly plays strong hands and bets high on them.

Time

During a player's turn, they have a certain amount of time to contemplate their move. In a casino setting, one can request more time by uttering the phrase "Time, please." If a decision takes too long for other players, they can also invoke "Time" to demand an end to the deliberation.

Third Barrel

When there have been bluffs on the flop and turn preceding a bluff on the river, it is referred to as the Third Barrel. This term is used to describe the act of continuing to bet aggressively in a poker hand, even when faced with resistance from opponents. The Third Barrel is a strategic move employed by skilled players to maintain pressure on their opponents and potentially force them to fold their hands. It requires a deep understanding of the game, the ability to read opponents' tendencies, and the confidence to execute the bluff effectively. The Third Barrel is a high-risk, high-reward play that can either lead to a big pot win or a significant loss if not executed correctly. It is an advanced technique that should be used sparingly and in the right circumstances to maximize its effectiveness.

Under the Gun

The player who sits first after the blinds has a disadvantageous position as they always have to act very early. It can be challenging for them to make informed decisions without having the advantage of observing the actions of other players. However, skilled players can still navigate this situation by adopting a strategic approach and utilizing their knowledge of the game. By carefully analyzing the betting patterns and considering the range of hands their opponents might have, they can make calculated moves to stay competitive in the game. It requires a combination of patience, skill, and a deep understanding of poker strategy to overcome the challenges posed by sitting in the first position after the blinds.

Value Bet

Placing a bet is a strategic move executed with confidence, as one holds a valuable hand and anticipates the participation of other players, resulting in an increase in the total amount of money staked in the pot.

3-Bet

A 3-bet is a subsequent increase after a player has placed a bet and another player has already raised. It represents the third increase in a betting round. Consequently, terms like 4-bet, 5-bet, and so on, also apply. A 3-bet is a strategic move employed to assert dominance and pressure opponents. By raising the stakes further, players aim to narrow the field and potentially force their adversaries to fold. This tactic requires careful consideration of position, hand strength, and the playing styles of other participants. A well-executed 3-bet can significantly impact the dynamics of a poker game and yield favorable outcomes.