The initial contribution to the pot that some games, especially draw poker, require.
bicycle
The best possible hand in lowball draw poker. Consists of 5, 4, 3, 2, A.
call
To put in the same number of chips as the previous bet. Calling keeps a player in the game without increasing the number of chips that player, and subsequent players, must put in.
check
To decline to open the betting in the second or subsequent betting intervals.
draw poker
A game in which players first receive five cards, then decide whether or not to check or open based on the hand they received. When the first round of opening, betting and/or raising is complete, the players may choose to discard parts or all of their hands (the number of discards depends on the rules of the particular game). After replacement cards are received, betting continues until a final call is made.
flop
In seven-stud hold 'em poker, the flop refers to the three face-up cards that are shared by all players.
flush
Poker hand. Five cards of the same suit, but not in numerical order. Beats a straight.
fold
To drop out of the game, forfeiting any chips already put in the pot.
four of a kind
Poker hand. Consists of four of any value of card. Beats a flush.
full house
Poker hand. Three cards of one value, two of another. Beats a straight or flush.
hold 'em
A variation of stud poker in which all players share mutual face-up cards rather than receive their own.
hole cards
Cards dealt face-down in stud poker.
kibitzer
An onlooker who may offer unwanted advice during a card game.
kicker
A strong card that accompanies a pair, two pair, three of a kind, etc. Ex: A player who holds A§, A¨, Kª, 8¨, 9¨ is said to have a pair of aces with a king kicker.
limit poker
A game in which a limit has been set on the amount of a bet and/or raise.
lowball
A form of poker where the lowest hand wins. Many different variations of lowball are played throughout the country.
no limit poker
A poker game in which no limit is set on the amount of a bet or raise.
nothing-wild poker
A poker game in which all cards retain their face value, i.e., no cards are wild.
off suit
A card or cards of a different suit than the other cards held in a hand.
open
To begin the betting. All players who want to remain in the game must match or raise the opening bet, even if they have already passed.
pair
Poker hand; consists of two of a kind of any value card.
pass
To decline to open the betting in the first betting interval. A player can pass only if no one has opened the betting.
pat
In draw poker, standing pat usually means to decline cards, but frequently it is also used to describe a check or pass.
pot
The total of all bets, raises and antes made during a hand of poker.
raise
To put in more chips than the previous bet. Raising increases the number of chips you and subsequent players must put in.
rap pat
To use one's hand, knuckles, fingers, etc. to tap the table and signal pat. See pat for more information.
royal flush
The best possible hand in nothing-wild poker; consists of the top five cards in any one suit.
showdown
At the end of the final betting interval, each player who is still in the game turns his cards face-up to determine who wins the pot. In a game that uses more than five cards, only the best possible five-card hand is turned face-up.
smooth seven
A hand in lowball draw poker. Consists of a 7 of any suit and four lower cards (i.e. 5, 3, 2, A or 4, 3, 2, A). Beats everything except a smooth six or a bicycle (5, 4, 3, 2, A).
smooth six
A hand in lowball draw poker. Consists of 6, 4, 3, 2, A, but all five cards cannot be of the same suit. Beats a smooth seven; beaten only by a bicycle.
straight
Poker hand; consists of five different-suited cards in numerical order. Beats three of a kind.
straight flush
Poker hand; consists of five cards of the same suit in numerical order. Beats four of a kind.
streets
In seven card stud, "streets" are slang for the number of cards that have been dealt, up to that point, in a hand. Ex: 7th street = final (7th) card dealt.
stud poker
The most popular form of stud poker is 7-card stud, in which the first two cards are dealt face down, the next four face up, and the final card face down. Only the five best cards of a hand count. Other forms of stud include 5-, 6- and 8-card stud.
suit
The group or family to which a card belongs, i.e. spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs (ª, ©, ¨, and §).
tell
A tell is any mannerism that helps you determine the secrets of an opponent's hand.
three of a kind
Three cards of the same numerical value. Beats two pair.
two pair
Poker hand; consists of two sets of two of a kind. Beats one pair.
two of a kind
Poker hand; consists of two matching cards. Beats no pair.