Poker Glossary A–Z
Every poker term, defined. Jump to a letter or scan the full list — 279 terms with clear definitions and examples. New to the game? Start with the glossary overview.
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- 22 Poker NicknamePocket twos (22) is nicknamed 'Ducks' and 'Deuces.' Here's where the names come from and how the smallest pocket pair actually plays preflop.
- 3-BetA 3-bet is the third bet in a betting sequence — a re-raise. Here's why it's called that, when to use it, and a worked hand showing it in action.
- 3-BetA 3-bet is the third bet in a betting sequence — the re-raise over an opening raise. Learn what a 3-bet is, why it matters, and how to size one.
- 33 Poker NicknamePocket threes (33) is nicknamed 'Crabs' and 'Treys.' Here's where the names come from and how this small pocket pair actually plays preflop.
- 4-BetA 4-bet is the fourth bet in a sequence — the re-raise over a 3-bet. Learn what a 4-bet is, how big to make one, and which hands to 4-bet for value or bluff.
- 44 Poker NicknamePocket fours (44) is nicknamed 'Sailboats' and 'Magnum.' Here's where the names come from and how this small pocket pair plays preflop.
- 5-BetA 5-bet is the fifth bet in a sequence — the re-raise over a 4-bet, usually all-in at standard stacks. Learn what a 5-bet is and which hands to shove.
- 55 Poker NicknamePocket fives (55) is nicknamed 'Speed Limit' and 'Presto.' Here's where the names come from and how this small pocket pair plays preflop.
- 66 Poker NicknamePocket sixes (66) is nicknamed 'Route 66' and 'Kicks.' Here's where the names come from and how this small pocket pair actually plays preflop.
- 68 Poker Nickname68 — six-eight — is a one-gap suited connector. What players call it, why the gap changes how it plays, and how to handle 68 before the flop.
- 72 Poker Nickname72 is nicknamed The Hammer and is the worst starting hand in Hold'em. Why seven-deuce is bottom of the pack, and the pride play behind the nickname.
- 77 Poker NicknamePocket sevens (77) is nicknamed 'Sunset Strip' and 'Walking Sticks.' Here's where the names come from and how the hand actually plays preflop.
- 83 Poker Nickname83 offsuit — eight-three — is one of the weakest starting hands in Hold'em. Learn its nickname, why it's called the sunflower, and how to play it.
- 88 Poker Nickname88 — pocket eights — is nicknamed the Snowmen, Little Oldsmobile, or Piano Keys. Here's where the names come from and how to play pocket eights.
- 89 Poker Nickname89 — eight-nine — is a classic suited connector. What players call it, why 89 suited is a favorite speculative hand, and how to play it before the flop.
- 95 Poker Nickname95 is nicknamed Dolly Parton, after 'Nine to Five.' What nine-five means, where the nickname comes from, and why it's a marginal hand at best.
- 98 Poker Nickname98 — nine-eight — is nicknamed the Oldsmobile. Where the name comes from, why suited beats offsuit here, and how to play nine-eight before the flop.
- 99 Poker Nickname99 — pocket nines — is nicknamed Wayne Gretzky, Phil Hellmuth, or the German Virgins. Here's where the names come from and how to play pocket nines.
A
- A3 Poker NicknameA3 — ace-three — is nicknamed Baskin-Robbins or Ace-Trey. Where the '31 flavors' name comes from and how to play this ace-rag before the flop.
- AA Poker NicknameAA — pocket aces — is the best starting hand in Hold'em. Learn its nicknames like American Airlines, bullets, and pocket rockets, and where each came from.
- ActionAction has three meanings in poker: whose turn it is, the bets and raises in a hand, and how loose a game plays. A clear guide to all three, with examples.
- Action CardAn action card in poker is a turn or river card that connects with ranges and creates more betting. Learn what an action card means and how to react to one.
- AirAir in poker means a hand with no made value and little equity, usually a pure bluff. Learn what air means, when to bet it, and how to use it well.
- AJ Poker NicknameAJ is nicknamed Blackjack or Ajax. What ace-jack means, where the nicknames come from, and why this pretty hand is a domination magnet.
- AK Poker NicknameAK is called Big Slick in poker. Where the nickname comes from, what ace-king is worth, and how the hand plays before and after the flop.
- All In MeanAll in means betting every chip you have in one move. Here's what all in means, the side-pot rules, and when shoving your whole stack is smart.
- All-InGoing all-in means betting every chip you have in front of you. Here's exactly how all-in works, how side pots form, and when shoving is the right play.
- AlphaAlpha is the fold percentage a bluff needs to break even: bet ÷ (pot + bet). Learn the formula, how it sets your bluff frequency, and a worked example.
- Alpha FrequencyAlpha frequency is how often a bluff must succeed to break even: bet ÷ (pot + bet). Learn the formula, the MDF link, and a worked example you can use at the table.
- Angle ShootAn angle shoot is an unethical but technically legal move that exploits rules or opponents. Learn common angles, why they are frowned upon, and how to avoid them.
- Angle ShootingAngle shooting is exploiting technicalities and ambiguity to gain an unfair edge without breaking a written rule. Common examples, why it's frowned upon, and.
- AnteAn ante is a small forced bet every player pays before a hand. Here's how antes differ from blinds, the big blind ante, and a worked example.
- AnteAn ante is a small forced bet every player posts before the cards are dealt. Here's how antes work, how they differ from blinds, and how they change strategy.
- AQ Poker NicknameAQ is nicknamed Big Chick or Little Slick. What ace-queen means, why the nickname stuck, and how to avoid the domination traps this hand walks into.
- Average StackAverage stack in a poker tournament is total chips divided by remaining players. Here's how it's calculated, why it matters, and how to use it.
B
- BackdoorA backdoor draw in poker needs both the turn and river to complete, also called runner-runner. Learn what backdoor means and why the equity still matters.
- Backdoor DrawA backdoor draw needs both the turn and river to complete. What runner-runner means, the real odds, and how backdoor equity affects your bets.
- Backdoor FlushA backdoor flush needs both the turn and river to be your suit. Learn the real 4.2% odds, how backdoor equity affects betting, and when it matters.
- Bad BeatA bad beat is losing a hand you were a big favorite to win. Here's what counts, a worked example of the odds, bad beat jackpots, and how not to tilt.
- Barrel OffTo barrel off is to bet every street through the river, firing all your chips on a bluff or big value hand. Learn when barreling off wins and when it's a leak.
- Bet To Fold OutBetting to fold out means wagering to make better draws or overcards give up their chance to outdraw you. Learn how this equity-denial bet works.
- Big Blind AnteThe big blind ante is a single ante posted by the big blind to cover the whole table. Here's how it works, why tournaments use it, and how it affects play.
- BinkTo bink in poker means to hit a card you needed or win a big score. Here's what the slang means, a clear example, and how it differs from a heater or a cooler.
- BlankA blank in poker is a card that helps neither player's range and changes little. Learn what a blank means, how it differs from a brick, and how to use it.
- Block BetA block bet is a small bet made out of position to set the price and stop a bigger bet from your opponent. Learn when to use it, sizing, and an example.
- BlockerA blocker is a card in your hand that reduces the combos your opponent can hold. Learn what blockers are, how card removal works, and how to use them.
- Blocker BetA blocker bet is a small bet you make to set the price and stop a bigger bet from your opponent. When to use it, sizing, and a worked river example.
- Blocker EffectThe blocker effect is how holding a card reduces the combos of hands your opponent can have. Learn how card removal shapes bluffs, calls, and value bets.
- BlockersA blocker is a card in your hand that cuts your opponent's combos. How card removal works, worked examples, and how to bluff with blockers.
- BluffA bluff is betting with a weak hand to make better hands fold. How bluffs work, the main types, a worked semi-bluff example, and when to try one.
- Bluff CatcherA bluff catcher is a hand that only beats bluffs. Learn what qualifies, when to call, and the pot-odds math that turns a marginal hand into a profitable call.
- Bluff TargetYour bluff target is the range of hands you're trying to fold out. Learn what a bluff target is in poker and how to bluff only when better hands can fold.
- BoardThe board is the set of community cards everyone shares. Learn what the board is, how it forms across the flop, turn, and river, and how to read it correctly.
- Board CoverageBoard coverage means having strong hands on every type of flop, so no board leaves you weak. Learn why coverage matters and a worked example.
- Boat Full House SlangA boat is poker slang for a full house — three of a kind plus a pair. Here's what it beats, how to read it on the board, and a worked hand.
- Bottom PairBottom pair is a pair made with the lowest card on the board. Learn how weak it really is, when to bet or fold it, and how to squeeze value from a marginal holding.
- BrickA brick in poker is a card that misses every hand and changes nothing. Learn what a brick means, how it differs from a blank, and how to play around one.
- BroadwayBroadway is the highest straight, Ten through Ace. What broadway cards are, how the straight ranks, worked examples, and how to play it safely.
- Bust MeanTo bust in poker means to lose your entire stack and be knocked out — or to eliminate another player. Here's what bust means in cash and tournaments.
C
- C-BetA c-bet is a continuation bet — you raised preflop, then bet again on the flop. Here's why it works, when to fire, and a worked hand example.
- CapCap in poker has three meanings: a limit on betting per street, a max buy-in game format, and a capped range. Here's how each one works with examples.
- Cap MeanCap in poker has two meanings: the limit on raises in a betting round, and a cap game with a maximum loss. Here's what cap means and how each works.
- Capped RangeA capped range means a player's hands top out at a certain strength — no nutted holdings. Learn how to spot capped ranges and attack them for profit.
- Check BehindCheck behind means you check in position after your opponent checks, closing the action and seeing the next card free. Learn when checking behind is the right play.
- Check MeanTo check in poker means to pass the action without betting. Here's what check means, when you're allowed to do it, and the check-raise explained.
- Check To InduceCheck to induce means checking a strong hand to invite a bluff from an opponent who only bets when checked to. Learn when this trap pays off.
- Chip DumpingChip dumping is deliberately losing chips to another player, a banned form of collusion. Learn how it works, why it is cheating, and how sites detect it.
- Chop PotA chop pot is a split pot shared between tied players. How ties are decided in Hold'em, the odd-chip rule, and the difference from a heads-up chop deal.
- Chop The BlindsChopping the blinds means the two blind players agree to take their money back when everyone folds. Learn the rules, etiquette, and when to chop.
- Cold Four-BetA cold four-bet is 4-betting with no prior money in the pot, over a raise and a 3-bet. Learn what a cold 4-bet is, ranges, and when to make one.
- Combo DrawA combo draw stacks two draws at once — like a flush plus a straight draw — for huge equity. How to count the outs and why combo draws love to get all-in.
- Condensed RangeA condensed range is packed with medium-strength hands and few nuts or bluffs. Here's what it means, how it forms, and how to play with and against one.
- CoolerA cooler is a hand where two strong holdings collide and losing is unavoidable. How it differs from a bad beat, with examples and how to play one.
- CoolerA cooler is a hand where two strong holdings collide and the loser could not fold. Learn what counts as a cooler, how it differs from a bad beat, and examples.
- CounterfeitIn poker, a counterfeit happens when a board card weakens your hand by matching what you already hold. Learn how counterfeiting kills two pair and low hands.
- Crying CallA crying call is a reluctant call you expect to lose but make for the price. Learn what a crying call is, when it is correct, and when it is a costly leak.
- CutoffThe cutoff (CO) is the seat directly to the right of the button — the second-best position at the table. Here's where it sits and how to play it.
- Cutoff PlusCutoff plus in poker refers to the late-position seats from the cutoff onward. Learn what it means, why these seats are so profitable, and how to play them.
D
- DanglerA dangler is a card in your Omaha hand that does not connect with the others, effectively wasting one of your four cards. Learn to spot and value danglers.
- Dead BlindA dead blind is a forced bet that does not count toward your wager. Learn when you pay one, how it differs from a live blind, and how to avoid it.
- Dead ButtonA dead button is when the dealer button sits in front of an empty seat so the blinds stay fair after a player busts. Learn the rule with a clear example.
- Dead MoneyDead money in poker is chips in the pot from players who have folded or won't fight for it. Learn how to spot it and use it to boost your steals.
- Deep Stacked MeanDeep stacked means having a large stack relative to the blinds — usually 150bb or more. Here's what deep stacked means and how it changes strategy.
- Default LineA default line is the standard, solid play you make in a spot before any read tells you to deviate. Learn how defaults anchor good decisions at the table.
- Delayed CbetA delayed cbet is checking the flop as the preflop raiser, then betting the turn. Learn why it works, which hands to use it with, and when to fire.
- DepolarisationDepolarisation in poker means betting a range of strong and medium hands without pure bluffs. Learn what it is, its sizing, and when it beats polarising.
- DepolarizeTo depolarize in poker means to bet a merged range of medium-strength value hands with few bluffs, using a small size. Learn when to depolarize and why.
- Dominated HandA dominated hand in poker shares a card with a stronger hand and needs help to win. Learn what domination means, why it matters, and how to avoid it.
- Donk BetA donk bet is leading into the player who was the aggressor on the previous street, instead of checking to them.
- Donk LeadA donk lead is betting into the previous street's aggressor before they can c-bet. Learn what a donk lead is, when it works, and how to defend against it.
- Double BarrelA double barrel is betting the flop and then betting again on the turn. Learn which turn cards to fire, when to shut down, and a worked hand example.
- DrawA draw is an incomplete hand that needs one more card to become strong. Here are the main draw types, how to count outs, and a worked example.
- Drawing DeadDrawing dead means no card can make your hand win. Here's what the poker term means, a clear example, and how to spot spots where your outs are worthless.
E
- Effective NutsThe effective nuts is the best hand you can realistically be up against, given your opponent's range. Here's what it means and how to use it in real spots.
- Effective StackThe effective stack is the most either player can actually win or lose in a hand — the smaller of the two stacks. Learn why it drives every decision.
- Equity DenialEquity denial means betting to make opponents fold hands that could improve and beat you. Learn how it works, when to use it, and a worked example.
- EV What Expected Value MeansEV stands for expected value — the average a decision wins or loses long term. Here's how to calculate it and why it drives every choice.
- Exploitative PlayExploitative play means deviating from balanced strategy to punish an opponent's specific mistakes. Learn how it differs from GTO and when to use it.
F
- FishA fish is a weak, losing poker player — the source of profit at the table. Here's how to spot one, what a whale is, and how strong players target them.
- Flat CallA flat call is calling a bet or raise instead of re-raising. Learn what a flat call is, why players flat strong hands, and when calling beats raising.
- FloatA float is calling a flop bet with a weak hand, planning to bluff a later street when the aggressor gives up. Learn when floating works and how to do it.
- Float The FlopFloating the flop means calling a flop bet with a weak hand to bluff a later street when the aggressor gives up. Learn when and how to float profitably.
- Floated BetA floated bet is calling a flop bet with a weak hand to steal the pot on a later street. Learn when floating works, who to target, and how to run it.
- Flop, Turn, and RiverThe flop, turn, and river are the community cards dealt after the preflop round. Here's what each street means, when it comes, and a worked hand.
- Four Bet PotA four-bet pot is a big preflop pot after a raise, 3-bet and 4-bet. Learn who has range advantage, why SPRs are low, and how to play the flop.
- FreerollA freeroll has two meanings: a free-entry tournament, and a hand where you can only tie or win. Here's both, with a worked split-pot example.
- FreerollA freeroll has two meanings: a free-entry tournament, and a hand where you cannot lose but can win more. Learn both uses of freeroll in poker with examples.
- Freeroll DrawA freeroll draw is when you are tied to win but can only win or tie, never lose, thanks to a redraw. Learn how freerolls work and how to spot them.
G
- Get It InGet it in means putting your whole stack in the pot, usually all-in. Learn what getting it in good means, when to do it, and how to judge the spot.
- Give UpA give up is when you stop betting and abandon a hand you were bluffing, checking or folding instead of firing again. Learn when giving up saves you money.
- Give Up LineA give up line is a preplanned sequence where you stop betting a hand — checking or folding — instead of firing again. Learn when it saves you the most money.
- GTO DeviationA GTO deviation is a deliberate move away from balanced play to exploit an opponent's specific leak. Learn when deviating wins more than staying balanced.
- GTO What the Term MeansGTO stands for game theory optimal — a mathematically unexploitable strategy no opponent can beat. Here's what it means and when it actually matters.
- Gut ShotA gut shot is an inside straight draw with only four outs. Learn the exact odds, how to play it as a semi-bluff, and see a clear worked example.
- GutshotA gutshot is an inside straight draw needing one specific rank in the middle. Here's how it differs from an open-ender, its odds, and a worked hand.
- GutshotA gutshot is an inside straight draw with just four outs. The exact odds, how to play it as a semi-bluff, and a clear worked example.
- Gutshot DrawA gutshot draw needs one specific rank in the middle to make a straight. Its four outs, real odds, and how to turn a weak draw into a profitable semi-bluff.
- GutterA gutter in poker is slang for a gutshot: an inside straight draw with one missing rank and just four outs. Learn what it means and how to play it.
H
- Half KillA half kill raises the stakes by 50% after a trigger, a gentler version of the full kill. Learn half kill limits, the half kill blind, and when rooms use it.
- Hand ReadingHand reading is narrowing an opponent's possible holdings to a range using their actions street by street. Here's the process, with a worked example.
- Heads Up MeanHeads up in poker means a hand or match between exactly two players. Here's how the blinds flip, why the play turns aggressive, and where it shows up.
- HeaterA heater is a hot streak where you keep winning far beyond your normal rate. Learn what a heater means, how it differs from run good, and how to handle one.
- Hero CallA hero call in poker is calling a big bet with a weak hand because you read your opponent as bluffing. Learn what it means, when it's right, and the math behind it.
- Hero FoldA hero fold is laying down a strong hand you suspect is beaten. Learn what a hero fold is, when it is correct, and why most players do it too often.
- HijackThe hijack (HJ) is the seat two to the right of the button — the first of the late positions. Here's where it sits and how to play it well.
- Hijack (HJ) PositionThe hijack (HJ) is the seat two to the right of the button — the second-latest position preflop. Here's where it sits and how to play it.
- Hit And RunA hit and run is when a player wins a big pot then leaves the game immediately. Learn the etiquette, whether it's allowed, and when quitting is smart.
I
- ICM What the Term MeansICM (Independent Chip Model) converts tournament chips into real-money equity. Here's what it means and why it changes your decisions.
- IndifferenceIndifference is when an opponent gains the same EV whether they call or fold. Learn how balanced bet sizing creates it, with the math and a worked example.
- InsurancePoker insurance is a side deal that pays you if your strong all-in hand gets outdrawn. Learn how it works, the math, and why it usually costs you money.
- Iso-RaiseAn iso-raise is a raise designed to isolate one weak player, usually a limper, into a heads-up pot. Learn what an iso-raise is, how to size it, and when to use it.
- IsolationIsolation means raising to play a heads-up pot against one weak opponent. Learn what isolation is in poker, how to isolate limpers, and when it pays.
- Isolation RaiseAn isolation raise in poker forces out other players so you can play heads-up against one weak opponent. Learn how to size it and when to iso-raise limpers.
J
- J5 Poker NicknameJ5 — jack-five — is nicknamed Motown or the Jackson Five. Here's where the name comes from and why this weak offsuit hand belongs in the muck.
- JJ Poker NicknameJJ — pocket jacks — is nicknamed Fishhooks, Hooks, or the Brothers. Here's where the names come from and why jacks are poker's most frustrating pair.
- JT Poker NicknameJT is nicknamed Justin Timberlake. What jack-ten means, where the nickname comes from, and why this connector plays far better suited than offsuit.
K
- K9 Poker NicknameK9 is nicknamed the Canine (or Dog/Fido). What king-nine means, where the nickname comes from, and why this king is a classic domination trap.
- KickerA kicker is the side card that breaks ties in poker. Learn how kickers decide winners, why they matter preflop, and how to avoid dominated hands.
- Kicker TroubleKicker trouble is when you make top pair but your side card is likely outkicked. Learn to spot dominated kickers, avoid them preflop, and play them safely postflop.
- Kill GameA kill game raises the stakes after a big pot or two wins in a row. Learn kill pot rules, the kill button, and how kill blinds double the betting limits.
- Kill PotA kill pot is a hand played at raised stakes after a trigger, usually a big win. How half kills and full kills work, who posts the kill blind, and the strategy.
- KittyThe kitty in poker is a shared fund of chips set aside from pots, historically to pay for cards and refreshments. Here's what it means and its origin.
- KJ Poker NicknameKJ is nicknamed Kojak. What king-jack means, where the nickname comes from, and why this broadway hand is easier to overplay than it looks.
- KK Poker NicknameKK — pocket kings — is nicknamed the Cowboys, King Kong, or Ace Magnets. Here's where each name comes from and how strong the hand really is.
- KQ Poker NicknameKQ is nicknamed the Marriage or Royal Couple. What king-queen means, where the nickname comes from, and how to play this strong broadway hand.
L
- Ladder UpLaddering up means surviving to climb into higher tournament payout tiers. Here's what it means, when to fold for the ladder, and when it costs you.
- LAG PlayerA LAG plays many hands with relentless aggression. Here's what loose-aggressive poker means, why it profits, how it differs from a maniac, and how to beat one.
- LevelLevel in poker has two meanings: the tournament blind level, and the layer of thinking you and your opponent are on. Learn both, with examples.
- Level ThinkingLevel thinking is the ladder of what each player is reasoning about — my cards, your cards, what you think I have. Learn the levels and how to use them.
- Light 3-BetA light 3-bet is a re-raise made as a bluff rather than for value. Learn what a light 3-bet is, which hands to use, and when it profits against openers.
- Light CallA light call is calling with a marginal hand you suspect is behind. Learn what calling light means, when it profits, and how it differs from a crying call.
- Light Three BetA light three bet is re-raising with a hand that doesn't want a call — a 3-bet bluff. Learn the fold math, the best hands, and when 3-betting light pays.
- LimpA limp is calling the big blind instead of raising preflop. Here's what limping means, when it's a leak, the limp-reraise trap, and a worked hand.
- Limp BehindLimping behind means calling the big blind after someone has already limped. Learn what limp behind means, when it works, and when a raise is better.
- Live BlindA live blind is a forced bet that still counts toward your call and lets you act again preflop. Here's how live blinds, options, and straddles really work.
- LojackThe lojack (LJ) is the seat three to the right of the button — the first seat many players call middle-to-late position. Here's where it sits and how to play it.
- Lojack (LJ) PositionThe lojack (LJ) is the seat three to the right of the button — the first of the late positions. Here's where it sits and how to play it.
M
- M-RatioM-ratio measures how many rounds you can survive before the blinds and antes eat your stack. Learn the formula, the Harrington zones, and how to use it.
- Main PotThe main pot is the pot every all-in player can win, capped at the smallest all-in. Learn how main pots and side pots split, with a clear worked example.
- Mandatory StraddleA mandatory straddle forces a designated seat to post double the big blind every hand. Learn the rules, how it changes effective stakes, and how to adjust.
- ManiacA maniac is a hyper-aggressive player who raises and bets almost at random. Here's what the term means, how to spot one, and the exact strategy to beat them.
- MergeMerging means betting a range of strong and medium hands at one size, not just nuts and air. Learn how merged bets work and when to use them.
- Merge RangeA merged range packs value, medium-strength, and some bluffs into one betting range. Learn how merging differs from polarising and when to use it.
- Merged RangeA merged range is a betting range of strong and medium hands with few pure bluffs. Learn how it differs from a polarized range, with a worked example.
- Min-CashMin-cash means finishing in the smallest paid spot of a tournament. Here's what the term means, why it barely covers your buy-in, and when chasing it costs.
- Min-DefenseMin-defense is the smallest fraction of your range you must continue with to stop a bettor auto-profiting on bluffs. Learn the MDF formula and a worked example.
- Mississippi StraddleA Mississippi straddle is a blind raise made from any position, often the button. Learn the rules, how action order changes, and whether it's a smart play.
- Monotone BoardA monotone board shows three cards of the same suit. What it means for flushes, how it caps ranges, and the right way to bet on all-one-suit flops.
- MuckThe muck is the pile of discarded cards, and to muck is to fold into it. Here's what mucking means, the rules, and when it costs a pot.
- MuckThe muck is the pile of discarded cards, and to muck means to fold. Learn what mucking is, how it differs from folding, and the rule that can cost you a pot.
- MuckingMucking means discarding your cards face-down into the pile. Here's what the poker term means, how it differs from folding, and the costly mistakes to avoid.
- Must MoveA must-move is a feeder table where you're required to move to the main game when a seat opens. Learn how must-move tables work and why cardrooms use them.
N
- NitA nit is an extremely tight, risk-averse poker player who only plays premium hands. Here's how to spot one, why it loses money, and how to beat them.
- Nut AdvantageNut advantage means holding more of the strongest possible hands than your opponent. Learn how it drives overbets, aggression, and a worked example.
- Nut Flush DrawA nut flush draw is a flush draw to the best possible flush, holding the ace of the suit. Its nine outs, blocker power, and why it plays so aggressively.
- NutsThe nuts is the best possible hand on the current board — unbeatable. Here's how to spot it, work it out, and why it changes each street.
O
- Odd ChipThe odd chip is the leftover chip when a pot won't split evenly. Learn the odd-chip rule, who gets it in a chop, and how split games award odd chips.
- On the Button What the Term MeansOn the button means holding the dealer position — the last to act after the flop and the most profitable seat at the poker table. Here's why.
- On Tilt MeanBeing on tilt means playing emotionally instead of rationally, usually after a loss. Here's what triggers tilt and how to stop it.
- Open LimpAn open limp in poker means being first in the pot by just calling the big blind instead of raising. Learn why it's usually a leak and its rare good uses.
- Open ShoveAn open shove is moving all-in as the first player to enter the pot. Here's what the term means, a short-stack example, and the ranges that make it correct.
- Open-Ended Straight DrawAn open-ended straight draw has eight outs and completes on either end. The odds, why it beats a gutshot, and how to play it as a semi-bluff.
- OverbetAn overbet is a bet larger than the pot. Why players overbet for value and as a bluff, worked sizing examples, and when a huge bet makes sense.
- OverbetAn overbet is a bet larger than the size of the pot. Learn why players overbet for value and as bluffs, when boards allow it, and a worked example.
- OverbluffTo overbluff in poker means to bet with too many bluffs relative to value, so calling becomes profitable for your opponent. Learn to spot and fix it.
- OvercallAn overcall is calling a bet after one or more players have already called it. Learn what overcalls mean about ranges and how to play for and against them.
- OvercardAn overcard is a card higher than the board or higher than your opponent's pair. What two overcards are worth, the odds, and how to play them.
- OverfoldTo overfold in poker means to fold more often than game theory allows, letting bluffs profit. Learn how to spot overfolding and fix it with MDF.
- OverlimpAn overlimp is calling the big blind after one or more players have already limped in. Learn when overlimping is smart, when it's a leak, and why.
- OverpairAn overpair is a pocket pair higher than every card on the board. How it differs from top pair, worked examples, and how to play it postflop.
- OverpairAn overpair is a pocket pair higher than every card on the board. Learn how it ranks, how to play it by street, and the spots where it quietly loses money.
P
- Pace Of PlayPace of play is how quickly poker hands are dealt and decisions made. Learn about shot clocks, tanking, calling the clock, and good tempo etiquette.
- PaintPaint in poker is slang for face cards — jacks, queens, and kings. Learn what paint means, where the term comes from, and how paint-heavy boards play.
- Paired BoardA paired board has two matching ranks among the community cards. What it means for full houses, bluffing, and how to adjust your betting on paired flops.
- Peel MeanTo peel in poker means to call one more bet to see the next card, usually with a draw or marginal hand. Here's what peeling means and when it pays.
- Peel OnePeel one means calling a single bet to see one more card, then reevaluating. Learn when peeling one street is profitable and when to fold instead.
- PFRPFR is the percentage of hands a player raises before the flop. Learn what PFR means, what a good number looks like, and how it pairs with VPIP.
- Poker Slang A Plain-English GuidePoker slang decoded in plain English: player nicknames, action words, and table phrases like the nuts, on tilt, donk, and GG — with what each really means.
- PolarisationPolarisation in poker means betting a range of only strong value hands and bluffs. Learn what it is, when to use it, and how bet sizing follows.
- Polarised RangeA polarised range is one made of strong value hands and bluffs, with the medium hands removed. Here's what it means and when to use a polarised bet.
- PolarizeTo polarize in poker means to bet only your strongest hands and your bluffs, checking everything in between. Learn when to polarize and how to size it.
- Population ReadA population read is an assumption about how the average player in a pool plays a spot. Learn how to use pool tendencies when you have no reads on a villain.
- PostTo post in poker means to place a required blind or forced bet into the pot. Learn what posting is, when you must do it, and the post-and-play rule.
- Pot CommitmentPot commitment is when the pot is so large relative to your remaining stack that folding is mathematically wrong. Learn how to calculate it and plan.
- Pot Committed MeanBeing pot committed means you've invested so much that folding no longer makes sense. Here's what pot committed means and how to tell when you're stuck in.
- ProbeA probe bet is a lead into the preflop aggressor on the turn after they check back the flop. Learn what probing means, why it works, and how to size it.
- Protection BetA protection bet charges opponents to draw and denies free cards to hands that could beat you. Learn sizing, when to use it, and a worked example.
- PuntA punt is throwing away chips or a whole stack on a bad play. Learn what punting means in poker, why it happens, and how to avoid the classic punt spots.
Q
- Q7 Poker NicknameQ7 is nicknamed the Computer Hand. What queen-seven means, why computers supposedly flagged it as the break-even hand, and how to play it.
- QJ Poker NicknameQJ is nicknamed Maverick or Oedipus Rex. What queen-jack means, where the nicknames come from, and how to play this connected broadway hand.
- QQ Poker NicknameQQ — pocket queens — is nicknamed the Ladies, the Hilton Sisters, or Siegfried & Roy. Here's where the names come from and how strong queens really are.
- Quads Four of a KindQuads is poker slang for four of a kind. Here's what it beats, how it differs from a straight flush, and where it lands in the rankings.
R
- Rabbit HuntRabbit hunting means asking to see the cards that would have come after a hand ends. What it means, why many rooms ban it, and the etiquette around it.
- Rainbow BoardA rainbow board has three different suits and no flush draw. Here's what the term means, an example, and why dry rainbow flops favor the aggressor.
- Raise As A BluffA raise as a bluff is raising with a weak hand to fold out a stronger one. Learn how bluff raises generate fold equity and which hands make the best ones.
- Rake How the House Gets PaidRake is the fee a cardroom takes from each pot or tournament. How it's calculated, a worked example, rake caps, and what rakeback means.
- RakebackRakeback in poker is a portion of the rake returned to players as a reward. Learn how it's calculated, why it matters to your win rate, and common models.
- RangeA range is the full set of hands a player can hold in a spot. Why thinking in ranges beats guessing one hand, with examples and how to build them.
- Range MergingRange merging means betting a mix of strong and medium hands together instead of only nuts and bluffs. Learn when a merged range beats a polarized one.
- Rat HoleRatholing is secretly pocketing chips to lower your stack at the table. Learn why it breaks table-stakes rules, why it's banned, and how it differs from cashing out.
- RedrawA redraw is a draw to improve a hand you have already made. Learn how redraws add equity, why they matter most in Omaha, and how to use them to commit chips.
- RockA rock is an ultra-tight, predictable player who only plays premium hands. Here's what the poker term means, how a rock differs from a nit, and how to exploit one.
- Run GoodRun good means winning more than your true skill warrants over a stretch of hands. Learn what running good means, why it happens, and how to stay grounded.
- Run It TwiceRun it twice deals two boards on an all-in to split the pot and cut variance. How it works, the math behind it, and when to agree to it.
- RundownA rundown is four connected cards in Pot-Limit Omaha, like JT98. Learn what makes rundowns strong, how gaps and suits change their value, and how to play them.
- Runner RunnerRunner runner means catching both the turn and river to complete a hand. The exact odds, why it matters as backdoor equity, and a clear worked example.
- RunoutA runout is how the remaining board cards fall after the money is in. Here's what a runout is, why players say 'good' or 'bad' runout, and how to think about it.
S
- Satellite BubbleThe satellite bubble is the point where surviving one more elimination wins a tournament seat. Here's why every seat is worth the same and how to play it.
- Seat ChangeA seat change lets you move to an open seat at your table. Learn the seat change button, why position on a fish matters, and the etiquette of moving seats.
- Second NutsThe second nuts is the second-best possible hand on a given board. Here's what the term means, why it's dangerous, and how to play it without going broke.
- SetA set is three of a kind made from a pocket pair plus a matching board card. Here's how it differs from trips, plus set mining and a worked hand.
- ShowdownShowdown is when remaining players reveal their hands to decide the pot. Who shows first, how the best hand wins, and the rules that settle every disagreement.
- Showdown BoundA showdown-bound hand is one you plan to check down and take to showdown. Learn what showdown bound means in poker and how to play these medium hands well.
- Showdown ValueShowdown value is a hand that can win by checking to showdown but is too weak to bet for value. Learn when to check it down and when to bluff instead.
- Single Raised PotA single raised pot forms when one player raises and gets called with no re-raise. Learn what an SRP is, its high SPR, and how to play these common pots.
- Slow RollA slow roll is deliberately delaying showing a winning hand to needle an opponent. Why it's the worst poker etiquette breach, real examples, and how to avoid it.
- Snap CallA snap call is calling instantly, with no hesitation. Learn what a snap call means in poker, what it signals about a hand, and when snapping helps or hurts.
- SpewSpew is losing chips through reckless, ego-driven plays. Learn what spewing means in poker, the common forms it takes, and how to plug the leak for good.
- SPRSPR — stack-to-pot ratio — divides the effective stack by the pot to tell you how committed you are. Learn low vs high SPR and how it guides commitment.
- SqueezeA squeeze in poker is a re-raise after an open and one or more callers. Learn what it means, why it works, when to do it, and how to size it correctly.
- Squeeze BluffA squeeze bluff is a light 3-bet against an open and one or more callers, using dead money and fold pressure to take the pot without a strong hand.
- Squeeze PlayA squeeze play is a big 3-bet after a raise and one or more callers, using the dead money and their weakness. Learn when and how big to squeeze.
- StabA stab is a bet made at a pot that nobody wants — usually after the aggressor checks. Learn what stabbing means, when it prints money, and how to defend.
- Stab BetA stab bet is a small bet at a pot nobody wants, made when the aggressor shows weakness by checking. Learn when to stab, how much, and a worked example.
- Stack OffTo stack off is to get all your chips in on a single hand. Learn what stacking off means in poker, which hands justify it, and how to avoid stacking off light.
- Stop And GoThe stop and go is calling preflop then shoving the flop instead of jamming preflop. Learn what the stop and go is, why it adds fold equity, and when to use it.
- StraddleA straddle is an optional blind bet, usually double the big blind, posted before the deal. Here's how it works, when it's allowed, and if it pays.
- StraddleA straddle is a voluntary blind of double the big blind that buys last action preflop. Learn straddle rules, the button straddle, and why it usually loses money.
- String BetA string bet is an illegal multi-motion bet or raise. Learn the string bet rule, why it's banned, how it differs from a string raise, and how to avoid one.
- String RaiseA string raise is an illegal multi-motion raise where you reach back for more chips without declaring. Here's the rule, why it exists, and how to avoid it.
- Suck OutA suck out in poker is when a hand behind at the money catches a card to win. Learn what it means, how it differs from a bad beat, and why it happens.
T
- T2 Poker NicknameT2 is nicknamed Doyle Brunson, the hand he won two WSOP titles with. What ten-two means, the legend behind the name, and why it's still a fold.
- T9 Poker NicknameT9 — ten-nine — is a premium suited connector. What players call it, why T9 suited flops so many strong draws, and how to play it before the flop.
- Table ChangeA table change lets you move to a different table in the same game. Learn how the change button works, why players request one, and how it aids table selection.
- TAG PlayerA TAG is a tight-aggressive player who plays few hands but bets and raises hard with them. Learn the style, its stats, and how to play against a TAG.
- Tank CallA tank call means calling after a long, deliberate think. Learn what a tank call is in poker, what it reveals about a hand, and how to read one at the table.
- Thin CallA thin call means calling with a hand that only beats a small slice of your opponent's range. Learn what a thin call is, when it's right, and its costly traps.
- Three Bet PotA three bet pot forms when a raise is re-raised before the flop. Learn what a 3-bet pot is, how the SPR shrinks, and how to play these bigger pots.
- Time BankA time bank is a reserve of extra seconds you can spend on a tough decision. Here's how time banks work online and live, and how to use them wisely.
- Top SetTop set is three of a kind using the highest board card plus your pocket pair. Learn why it's a near-nut hand, how to extract max value, and its rare.
- Triple RangeA triple range in poker splits your betting range across three sizes — check, small, and large — to protect every hand. Learn how and when solvers use it.
- TT Poker NicknameTT — pocket tens — is nicknamed Dimes, Tension, or Boxcars. Here's where the names come from and how strong pocket tens really are before the flop.
- Two-Tone BoardA two-tone board has two cards of the same suit, creating a flush draw. Here's what the term means, an example, and how it should change your betting.
U
- UnblockerAn unblocker is a card you hold that leaves your opponent's bluffs intact, making a call more profitable. Learn what unblockers are and how to use them.
- Uncapped RangeAn uncapped range still contains the nuts. Learn what uncapped range means in poker, why it lets you barrel big, and how to spot it in real hands.
- Under the Gun (UTG)Under the gun (UTG) is the seat directly left of the big blind — first to act preflop, and the toughest position at the table. Here's why.
- Under The Gun Plus OneUnder the gun plus one (UTG+1) is the seat just left of the first player to act. Learn what it means, how it plays, and the right opening range for it.
- UnderbetAn underbet is a small bet, well under half the pot, used to get thin value or deny equity cheaply. Learn when to underbet and see a worked example.
- UnderbluffTo underbluff in poker means to bet with too few bluffs relative to value, making you too easy to fold against. Learn how to spot and fix underbluffing.
- UnderpairAn underpair is a pocket pair lower than the top board card. Learn how it differs from an overpair, its set-mining upside, and how to avoid bleeding chips with it.
V
- Value BetA value bet is a bet you want called — you have the best hand and charge worse hands to see a showdown. Here's how to size it and a worked example.
- Value CutA value cut is when you bet for value but only get called by better hands, costing yourself money. Learn what causes it and how to avoid getting value cut.
- Value TargetYour value target is the range of worse hands you expect to call your bet. Learn what a value target is in poker and how to size bets around the hands you beat.
- Value TownValue town is where you get paid off by worse hands over and over. Learn the slang, how thin value betting works, and how to send an opponent there.
- VPIPVPIP is the percentage of hands a player voluntarily puts money into preflop. Learn what it means, how to read it, and what a good VPIP looks like.
W
- Way Ahead Way BehindWay ahead / way behind describes spots where you are either crushing an opponent or drawing thin. Learn why you check these hands instead of betting.
- WhaleA whale in poker is a wealthy, loose player who bleeds chips at high stakes. Here's what a whale is, how to spot one, and how to play against them.
- WheelThe wheel is the five-high straight A-2-3-4-5, the lowest straight in poker. Here's what it means, why the ace plays low, and how to play it correctly.
- WrapA wrap is a huge Omaha straight draw where your cards wrap around the board for 13 or more outs. Learn how to count wraps and play them profitably.