Poker terms and phrases: A slang & definitions glossary
POKER is all about walking the walk and talking the talk. I’ve written plenty of poker strategy guides over the years, and many of them are available right here on the Sun. Me and my fellow experts' poker guides will definitely help you walk the walk but, until now, I’ve not said much about the lingo you’ll hear at the tables.
This guide will get you talking like a poker pro. Indeed, if you want to understand the game’s nuances, you need to know poker terminology. With this in mind, here’s my guide to the most frequently used poker words and phrases.
Most used poker terms
I don’t like to speak too much at the table - even the virtual table of an online poker room. Therefore, I always think it’s a good idea to be as succinct as possible when you’re asking or answering questions. That’s where poker slang is particularly useful: The following list contains the most common poker terms you’ll hear at a game.
Action
Action is a common poker term used to describe the amount of betting activity taking place within a game. A “lot of action” implies people are betting and raising. Players can also “give action” i.e. they play a lot of pots in the face of bets from opponents.
Ante
Ante is the overarching term for a forced bet someone has to make at the start of each round. The ante can include a small bet made by every player as well as the small/big blind.
All-in
All-in is a very popular poker term and it describes the act of betting your entire stack i.e. Daniel Negreanu moved all-in on the river.
Bad Beat
This is one of the poker terms used commonly by players who lose a pot. In poker slang, a bad beat refers to a situation where a player gets unlucky.
Blind
The blind is an ante bet i.e. it’s a forced bet someone has to make before a hand is dealt. Some poker variants don’t have blinds. Instead, everyone posts an ante. In games with a blind, there will be a big blind and a small blind (50% of the big blind’s value). The blinds move round the table in a clockwise direction.
Call
Call is poker slang for calling someone’s bet. For example, if someone bet £10 and you didn’t want to fold or raise, you’d put £10 in the pot to call.
Check
Checking, in poker terminology, is the act of passing the action to the next player without committing any chips to the pot. You can only check if there haven’t been any bets before it’s your turn to act.
Draw
A draw is when you have the potential of making a hand i.e. you’ve got outs. For example, if your hole cards are Ad Kd and there are two diamonds on the flop, you’re drawing to a flush i.e. if another diamond comes you’ve got a flush. Players can have a draw (i.e. outs) on the flop or turn.
Fish
Fish is a poker term frequently used to describe a weak player i.e. they’re a fish that’s easily caught. The next level of fish is a whale. A whale is a weak player with a lot of money i.e. they’re a big fish that’s worth catching. For the record, I’m not a fish - and neither will you be if you read my poker guides!
Flop
Flop is a poker term that describes the first three community cards. The flop comes after the pre-flop betting around and before the turn (i.e. the fourth community card).
Fold
One of the most common terms used in poker is fold. It means you give up your hand in the face of a bet. It’s often the case that fish (i.e. weak players) don’t fold enough.
Heads-up
Heads-up is poker terminology for a situation where only two players are active in a pot or the final stage of a tournament.
Hole cards
Poker players use the term hole cards to describe the cards they’ve been dealt. For example, in Texas Hold’em, everyone gets two hole cards. Only you can see your hole cards.
Nuts
Nuts is one of the common poker terms used to describe the best possible hand.
Overcard
In poker slang, the word overcard refers to a situation where an opponent has higher value hole cards than you. Those higher value cards have the potential to counterfeit your hand if they connect with the board.
Rainbow
A rainbow board is one that contains a mixture of suits i.e. it has all the colours of the rainbow. A rainbow board means there’s no chance of someone making a flush (i.e. five cards of the same suit).
River
The river is the fifth and final community card. The river comes after the flop (three initial community cards) and the turn (the fourth community card). If two or more players are active after the river, a showdown occurs. It’s very common for the river card to decide the outcome of a pot.
Showdown
Showdown is a common poker term used to describe a situation where two or more players reveal their hole cards. A showdown only takes place after the final card/betting round has ended.
Tell
Tell is one of the most popular poker words that’s found its way into mainstream culture. In poker, a tell is any signal unwittingly given off by a player. Strong players can spot tells (aka read tells) and use them to get an advantage.
Tilt
Tilt is one of poker’s most popular terms because it’s something virtually everyone experiences. Going on tilt means you’ve got so emotional (i.e. angry) you make rash decisions. It’s very common for fish to go on tilt.
Turn
The fourth community card is known as the turn. This card is dealt in isolation. It comes after the flop (three cards) and before the river (the fifth and final community card).
Betting variation terms
Each type of poker can be played with one of three betting systems. These betting systems determine how much you can bet and/or raise. I mainly play No Limit games, particularly when it comes to Hold’em. However, other variants are more suited to Pot Limit and Limit structures.
Limit
Also known as fixed limit, this system restricts the amount you can bet or raise. Specifically, the amount you can bet/raise is based on the size of the ante (most commonly the big blind).
Pot limit
Pot Limit betting restricts the amount you can bet/raise to the size of the pot. For example, if there’s £10 in the pot and you want to make a bet, you can bet up to a maximum of £10.
No limit
There are no restrictions on the amount you can bet in No Limit games. If the bet/raise matches or exceeds the minimum, you can stake any amount up to the value of your stack.
What are the best sites for online poker?
The best online poker sites come in all shapes and sizes. We know the online gambling industry inside out, which means we’ve found three top sites from all sectors.
1. PokerStars
Cards on the table: I love PokerStars. Some of my best gaming moments have been on PokerStars, so I’ve got a certain connection with this site. However, beyond my own experiences with PokerStars, the facts speak for themselves. In terms of games, promotions and features, very few online poker sites come close to what PokerStars offers. There are freerolls and MTTs with buy-ins starting at $0.10 and going up to $10,000+. Cash games at all stakes, unique games such as Spin & Gos, secure software and generous loyalty rewards.
2. Duelz Casino
In my opinion, Duelz is a casino gaming powerhouse. This means you can play all types of table poker, including Stud and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. As well as making hands at the poker table, Duelz offers blackjack, baccarat and other table games. For a final flourish, you can take a break from cards by playing one of its 600+ slots. New players can take advantage of a £100 first deposit bonus and 100 free spins.
3. Unibet
Unibet is universally known across all online gambling sectors. New customers at Unibet can start out with a £10 casino bonus, plus up to £40 cashback on losing sports bets. Once you’re in the mix, Unibet has one of the most relaxed online poker sites out there. This means Unibet Poker is not only fun but full of fish!
Another reason I like Unibet is because of its live events. In my early days as a poker writer, the people at Unibet were extremely courteous and invited me to a number of their live tournaments. I almost cashed in a couple, but my biggest takeaway from these events was the friendly atmosphere. Unibet has worked hard to create a sense of community over the years so, if you want a welcoming introduction to online poker, I’d give this site a try.
FAQs about poker and poker lingo
While you may know enough special expressions now to pass for a poker pro, there are probably still some doubts I can help you clear up about the game itself. Let's see if I managed to cover them below:
1. Which poker variations are there?
In addition to the frequently used poker terms we’ve already described, it’s worth knowing what the most popular games are called.
There is, of course, poker terminology for each variant. The good thing is there aren’t too many words you need to learn. Poker’s main variants are…
- Hold’em: Everyone starts with two hole cards in Texas Hold’em. You use them in conjunction with community cards to make the best five-card hand. Hold’em cash games and tournaments can be Limit, Pot Limit or No Limit. I enjoy No Limit Hold’em tournaments, but don’t overlook Pot Limit cash games as they can be a lot of fun.
- Omaha: Omaha is similar to Hold’em but, instead of two hole cards, you get four. You must use two of your hole cards in conjunction with the community cards to make a five-card hand. Most Omaha games are Pot Limit, also commonly known as PLO (Pot-Limit Omaha). For the record, PLO is my favourite poker variant for cash games.
- Draw poker: Draw poker is a game where players keep their hole cards concealed. You get dealt an initial selection of cards (e.g. five) and have the option to swap as many as you like before a showdown.
- Stud poker: Stud poker is where you’re dealt a selection of cards; some are face-up, some are face-down. The most common type of Stud poker is Seven Card Stud.
2. How do I get started playing poker online?
I, like so many others, went through various steps to become a successful poker player. Learning the basics is vital and something you can’t overlook during this stage of your career is gambling and betting terminology. As I’ve said, the most popular poker words help you talk the talk, which, in turn, makes it easier to walk the walk.
Of course, you might think that learning a few buzz words is just for show. It’s not. If you don’t understand poker terms, you won’t understand the game. If you don’t believe me, here’s an example:
Let’s say you’re learning basic poker strategy, and someone says, “you should raise pocket nines in position but fold from the blinds.”
That sentence contains three terms used in poker: Position, button and blinds. The poker strategy advice given to you won’t mean anything if you don’t know what those words mean. This, in my opinion, is why you need to know poker’s most popular terms.
3. Can I play all types of poker online?
Yes, at the best online poker sites you can play the most popular variants. There may be some obscure sub-variants that aren’t available online, such as Chinese Poker. However, if a game is popular, it will be available online. From my perspective, an online poker site gets top marks if it offers the following variants as cash games and tournaments:
- Texas Hold’em
- Omaha
- Draw
- Stud
- Mixed Games
- 6+ Hold’em
- Razz
4. What are the biggest poker tournaments?
The biggest tournaments in poker take place live and online. Therefore, if you’re tired of playing cash game pots and want to compete for large prizes, tournaments are the way to go. You can click here to learn more about poker tournaments and how they work. As a prelude to that, here are some of the largest tournaments in poker:
- The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event
- The WSOP Big One for One Drop
- The World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship
- European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo
- PokerStars Players No Limit Hold’em Championship
- The Triton Million
- The PokerGO US Poker Open
- The World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) Main Event
- The Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) Main Event
- WSOP Online Super Circuit Main Event
- The Sunday Million
- MicroMillions
5. What are the most popular types of poker?
The most popular types of poker are Hold’em and Omaha. However, as I’ve said, there are plenty of other ways to play. For example, there are dozens of Hold’em spin-offs, including 6+, Hold’em, Omaha, Stud and Draw, and Irish Poker. However, they aren’t the only games in town.
For example, almost everyone in poker loves Hold’em. Because of this, there are dozens of spin-offs, including 6+ Hold’em and Irish Poker. Hold’em has also become a casino game alongside a few other interesting variants.
In these games, you’re playing against the house (i.e. casino) rather than other players. As such, you don’t get to bluff, and hands are decided by a showdown. However, other than these differences, many of the fundamental rules of poker are used.
Some of the standout casino poker games you can try are:
- Casino Hold’em
- Mississippi Stud
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Texas Hold’em Plus
- Let It Ride
- Three Card Poker
- Four Card Poker
- I Love Suits Poker
- Heads-Up Hold’em
- Pai Gow Poker
6. Can I use bonuses for all poker variations online?
Yes! I’m not just a font of knowledge when it comes to the most common poker terminology. I’m also an expert when it comes to gaming sites and the bonuses they offer. I’ve always got my eye on the latest offers and regularly test them out to see which ones offer real value. Once I’ve done that, I list them in guides like this.
The credits you get from these offers can be used in all manner of contexts. Therefore, if you want to focus specifically on poker, you can use my recommended bonuses to play Hold’em cash games, Stud tournaments or anything else you desire.
7. What is the best site for live poker?
Based on my experience, Mr Vegas is one of the best online casinos UK has to offer for table poker. Among its best offerings are live dealer poker games, including Three Card Poker, Caribbean Stud and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. You can use the registration link on this page to get a 100% welcome bonus up to £200 and 11 free spins.
One thing I will say is that casino poker is different from the games you’ll find on PokerStars and other similar sites. That’s because you’re playing against the dealer (i.e. the house) rather than other people. That’s why I’ve ranked Mr Vegas as one of my favourite live poker sites because it has dozens of interesting table games.
8. How do I make a deposit on an online poker site?
OK, so you want to put your poker slang to good use. Good call. The steps below will take you from talking poker to playing in just a few minutes…
- Find a poker room suited for you in our reviews.
- Choose a site you like and tap the secure sign-up link within the review.
- Open the registration form. Complete the registration process by inputting your personal details, including your name, email address, date of birth and address. *Use our poker promo codes whenever possible.
- Log in, go to the cashier page and select a secure deposit method (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill etc).
- Input a deposit amount (typically £10 or more). Confirm the transaction, claim any deposit bonuses you’ve activated and start playing poker.
The roundup - My top 5 tips for playing poker
Playing poker isn’t all about speaking the lingo. Knowing the difference between a fish and whale, or what antes are is important. However, if you want to get the most from your time at the table, you need to go beyond the most popular poker words. So, before you go off and talk the talk, here are my five best poker tips:
1. Don’t focus on yourself
Your hand matters, but it doesn’t matter as much as the hands your opponent can have. You can bluff people off the best hand if you’re able to read what they’ve got. Don’t try to put opponents on one specific hand. Think in ranges i.e. what possible range of hands could they have based on the action, the cards on display and your own hole cards. This of course only applies to poker where you play against others. On live casino sites, you don't need to worry about this because you’re only playing against the dealer.
2. Think about your own image
While it’s true you shouldn’t focus solely on your own hand, it’s also true that you need to consider the moves you’re making. Players will react to what you’re doing. If you’re aggressive, they’ll play back at you. If you’re passive, they’ll be aggressive towards you. Understanding your own image can help you develop a robust poker strategy.
3. Play position
Position is king in poker. The button is the most powerful position at the table because you’ll always act last post-flop. Acting last is important because you get to see what everyone else has done. The more information you’ve got in a game of imperfect information, the better.
4. Get all the extras you can
The best poker sites online have plenty of promotions. As a smart player, you should claim every poker bonus you find. Of course, you shouldn’t spend more than you can afford. But, if the offers are viable, it’s wise to take them. but, by the same token, don’t ignore them. My tip is to play as many freerolls as possible.
5. Have fun and be conservative
My final poker tip is one I always end with, but it can’t be said enough: Have fun and be conservative. Online poker, just like casino games and sports betting, is full of uncertainty. Sometimes things go well, sometimes they don’t. You need to accept this fact. Moreover, you need a financial plan. That means you should only risk a small amount of your bankroll in a cash game or tournament. Basically, if it’s more than 5% of your total bankroll, it’s too expensive.
Talk and walk like a pro: Play online poker today
That’s just about all I’ve got to say. I’ve given you all the poker slang I use, as well as some tips on how and where to play poker online. Do your best to put everything together and, in time, you’ll not only be talking like a pro but walking like one.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
