Poker terminology

Basic Poker Terminology: A Complete Instruction for Beginners and Advanced

Understanding poker terminology is essential for good performance in the game. Each poker term is important for developing strategies and understanding how the game is played. Here is a complete guide to the most important poker terms and concepts used in the poker world.

Basic Terms of Poker

1. Blinds (Forced Bets)
   The “small blind” and “big blind” are mandatory bets placed by both players to the left of the dealer, to ensure that there is money in the pot from the start of each hand.
2. Pot
   The total amount of bet money collected in the centre of the table that the winner of the hand will win.
3. Hand
   The group of cards each player has. The hand can consist of 2 hole cards (in Texas Hold’em) and 5 community cards on the table.
4. Fold (Pass)
   When a player chooses to leave the current hand and not continue playing until the next deal.
5. Call (Coverage)
   A move in which the player covers the amount of the bet placed by another player to continue the hand.
6. Raise
   When one player decides to increase the current bet, forcing the others to call the increased amount or fold.
7. All-in
   A move in which a player bets all their chips. If he wins, he gets the pot or part of the pot corresponding to the amounts he has covered.

Advanced Terms and Strategies

1. Flop, Turn and River
   The three phases where the community cards are revealed at the table:

• Flop: The first three community cards are dealt face up.
• Turn: The fourth common card.
• River: The fifth and final community card.

1. Kicker
   The card used to determine the winner when two players have the same hand (e.g., the player with the highest kicker wins).
2. Position
   The position of the player in relation to the dealer. Players who play later have the advantage of seeing each other’s moves before making a decision.
3. Check
   When a player doesn’t want to bet, but doesn’t fold. This move is allowed if no other bet has been made before.
4. Bet
   When a player places money in the pot without any other bets having been placed.
5. Outs
   The cards that can improve the player’s hand and give him the best possible hand.
6. Draw
   When the player needs certain cards to make a complete hand (e.g., he has four cards for a suit and is waiting for the fifth).
7. Bluff
   A move in which a player pretends to have a strong hand to make his opponents fold.
8. Bankroll (Capital)
   The money available to the player to play poker. Proper bankroll management is critical to ensure that the player does not lose all of his money quickly.

Hand Categories in Poker

1. High Card: Hand without a combination.
2. Pair: Two cards of the same value.
3. Two Pair: Two pairs of cards of the same value.
4. Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same value.
5. Straight: Five cards in a row, not necessarily of the same suit.
6. Flush: Five cards of the same suit.
7. Full House: One pair and three of a kind.
8. Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
9. Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
10. Royal Flush: The strongest hand in poker, a straight flush from 10 to ace of the same suit.

Knowledge of poker terminology is essential for developing strategies, understanding the evolution of the game and smoothly participating in the game, regardless of the type of poker you play.