Poker Glossary

The third bet in a sequence (the original raise is the '2-bet'). In modern poker, a 3-bet typically refers to re-raising a preflop raiser.

"He opened to $6, I 3-bet to $20 with pocket kings."

The fourth bet in a sequence — a re-raise of a 3-bet. Usually indicates a very strong hand or a bluff with blockers.

A player's turn to act, or the amount of betting and raising in a hand. A game with lots of betting is called an 'action game.'

"The action is on you — it's your turn to bet, call, or fold."

Betting all of your remaining chips. Once all-in, you can't be forced to fold and compete for the main pot.

Using unethical but technically legal tactics to gain an advantage. Examples include acting out of turn, ambiguous chip movements, and misleading s...

A forced bet that all players must post before each hand. Antes increase action by creating a larger starting pot. Common in tournaments.

A draw that requires two consecutive cards to complete. A backdoor flush draw needs runner-runner of the same suit.

When a strong hand loses to a weaker hand that catches a lucky card. Typically occurs when a player with a significant statistical advantage loses.

"I had pocket aces and lost to pocket twos when they hit a set on the river — ..."

The total amount of money a player has set aside specifically for playing poker. Proper bankroll management is crucial for long-term success.

"My bankroll is $5,000 and I play $1/$2, so I have 25 buy-ins."

The practice of playing at stakes appropriate for your bankroll to minimize the risk of going broke. Generally, cash game players need 20-40 buy-in...

A bet on a successive street. A 'double barrel' is betting the flop and turn; a 'triple barrel' is betting all three streets.

The amount of a bet relative to the pot. Proper bet sizing is key to maximizing value and minimizing losses. Common sizes are 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, and fu...

The larger of the two forced bets posted before each hand. Also used as a unit of measurement (e.g., '3 bb/100' = winning 3 big blinds per 100 hands).

Raising from late position with the intention of winning the blinds uncontested. A fundamental strategy for tournament and cash game play.

A card in your hand that reduces the probability of an opponent having a specific hand. Having the A♠ blocks opponents from having the nut flush in...

The community cards dealt face-up in the center of the table in Hold'em and Omaha games. Consists of the flop (3 cards), turn (1 card), and river (...

A tournament format where part of each player's buy-in is placed as a bounty. When you eliminate a player, you win their bounty. Progressive KO (PK...

A card that doesn't appear to help any player. A 'bricked' turn or river means the card was irrelevant.

The point in a tournament just before the money. The 'bubble boy' is the last player eliminated without winning a prize.

"We're on the bubble — 37 players left, 36 get paid."

The most advantageous position at the table. The button acts last on every post-flop street, giving them maximum information.

The amount of money required to enter a tournament or sit down at a cash game table. In cash games, there's usually a minimum and maximum buy-in.

"The tournament has a $109 buy-in with a $100K guaranteed prize pool."

A bet made on the flop by the preflop aggressor, regardless of whether the flop improved their hand. A standard play in modern poker.

"I raised preflop with AK, missed the flop, but c-bet 1/3 pot and he folded."

A passive player who calls bets too frequently but rarely raises. Calling stations are profitable opponents because they call value bets but don't ...

The maximum number of raises allowed in a single betting round (in limit poker), or the maximum buy-in at a table. Also a hand where the number of ...

Checking with the intention of raising after an opponent bets. A powerful move that represents strength and traps aggressive players.

A situation where two players are roughly 50/50 to win. Classic example: pocket pair vs two overcards (e.g., JJ vs AK).

Cards dealt face-up in the center of the table that all players share. In Hold'em, there are 5 community cards (flop, turn, river).

A hand where two players both have very strong hands and significant action is unavoidable. Unlike a bad beat, a cooler involves no mistake by eith...

"Set over set is the classic cooler — both players flopped trips but one is hi..."

The position directly to the right of the button. The second-best position at the table, often used for stealing blinds.

Money in the pot contributed by players who have already folded, or chips from antes and blinds. Also describes weak players in a tournament field.

A tournament or cash game where players have significantly more chips relative to the blinds (typically 200+ big blinds). Allows for more post-flop...

A bet made out of position by a player who did NOT have the initiative (wasn't the preflop raiser). Generally considered non-standard play.

A derogatory term for a weak or bad poker player. Also called a 'fish' or 'donk.' Used to describe someone who makes consistently poor decisions.

To double your chip stack by winning an all-in confrontation against a player with an equal or larger stack.

A hand that is not yet complete but has the potential to improve to a strong hand. Common draws include flush draws (4 cards to a flush) and straig...

The seats closest to the left of the big blind (UTG, UTG+1). These positions act first and require stronger hands to play.

A player's advantage over their opponents, whether through skill, position, or information. A winning player has an 'edge' over the table.

The percentage share of the pot that a hand is expected to win based on its current strength and drawing potential. Calculated using all possible f...

"AA has about 80% equity against KK preflop — it wins 4 out of 5 times."

The average amount a player expects to win or lose on a particular play over the long run. Positive EV (+EV) plays are profitable; negative EV (-EV...

"Calling a $10 bet with a 40% chance to win a $50 pot is +EV."

The last table remaining in a multi-table tournament, typically the last 9 or 10 players. Making the final table is a major achievement.

A weak or inexperienced player who frequently makes strategic errors. Fish are the primary source of profit for winning players.

Calling a bet (usually a c-bet) with the intention of bluffing on a later street, rather than because of hand strength.

The first three community cards dealt face-up simultaneously. The flop is a critical point in Hold'em as it reveals 60% of the board.

Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence. The highest card determines the rank of the flush. A flush beats a straight but loses to a full house.

Having four cards of the same suit with one more card to come. A flush draw has 9 outs (9 remaining cards of your suit), giving roughly a 35% chanc...

The additional equity gained from the possibility that your opponent will fold to your bet or raise. Critical component of semi-bluff and bluff EV ...

A tournament with no buy-in that awards real prizes. Also describes a situation where one player can win a pot but cannot lose (e.g., holding the s...

Three of a kind plus a pair (e.g., three kings and two queens). Also called a 'boat.' Beats a flush but loses to four of a kind.

A strategy that is mathematically unexploitable. GTO play doesn't maximize profit against weak opponents but provides a baseline against strong ones.

A player who earns a steady income through disciplined, consistent play rather than high-risk gambling. Grinders focus on volume and small edges.

A straight draw that needs one specific card in the middle (e.g., holding 5-7 on a 6-9 board, needing an 8). Only 4 outs, compared to 8 for an open...

Software that overlays real-time statistics on opponents at online poker tables. Shows stats like VPIP, PFR, 3-Bet%, and aggression factor.

"My HUD shows this player has a 45/5 VPIP/PFR — they're a massive fish."

A poker game or hand played between exactly two players. Heads-up play occurs in the final stage of tournaments or in dedicated heads-up cash games.

Calling a bet with a marginal hand based on a read that the opponent is bluffing. Requires strong hand-reading skills and courage.

"I made a hero call with ace-high because his betting pattern screamed bluff."

The position two seats to the right of the button. A middle-late position that can open a wider range than early position.

The private cards dealt face-down to each player. In Hold'em, each player receives 2 hole cards; in Omaha, each player receives 4.

A mathematical model that converts tournament chip stacks into monetary equity. ICM is crucial for making correct decisions near the money and at f...

The ratio of the amount you expect to win on future streets (beyond the current pot) versus the cost of your current call. Accounts for future bett...

Acting after your opponent(s) on each betting round. Being in position is a significant advantage because you have more information when making dec...

The highest unpaired card in a player's hand, used to break ties. If two players both have a pair of aces, the one with the higher kicker wins.

A playing style characterized by playing many hands and betting/raising frequently. LAG players put constant pressure on opponents.

The period during which players can still enter a tournament after it has started. Late reg periods typically last 1-3 hours.

A variant of Hold'em where bet sizes are fixed (e.g., $2/$4 means $2 bets preflop/flop, $4 bets on turn/river).

Calling the big blind preflop instead of raising. Generally considered a weak play in modern poker, except in some multiway spots.

To fold or discard your hand without showing it. Also refers to the pile of discarded cards.

A tournament with many entrants spread across multiple tables. As players are eliminated, tables are consolidated until one player remains.

Playing multiple tables simultaneously in online poker. Grinders routinely play 4-24+ tables to increase their hourly win rate.

An extremely tight player who only plays premium hands. Nits are easy to exploit because their range is very narrow and predictable.

The most popular poker variant where players can bet any amount up to their entire stack at any time. Often abbreviated as NLH or NLHE.

The best possible hand given the current board. Having 'the nuts' means no other hand can beat yours.

"With A♠K♠ on a board of Q♠J♠T♠, you have the nut flush and nut straight."

A straight draw that can be completed by a card on either end (e.g., holding 7-8 on a 9-10 board, needing a 6 or J). Has 8 outs.

Acting before your opponent(s) on each betting round. Being out of position is a disadvantage because you lack information.

The number of remaining cards that will improve your hand to a likely winner. Used to calculate drawing odds.

"With a flush draw, you have 9 outs (9 remaining cards of your suit)."

A bet larger than the current pot. Used to polarize your range between very strong hands and bluffs, putting maximum pressure on opponents.

In a tournament, the amount by which the guaranteed prize pool exceeds the total buy-ins collected. Represents free money added by the poker room.

The percentage of hands a player raises preflop. Combined with VPIP, PFR helps identify player types and tendencies.

A poker variant where each player receives 4 hole cards and must use exactly 2 of them with 3 board cards. Betting is limited to the current pot size.

Two cards of the same rank dealt as your hole cards (e.g., two kings). Pocket aces (AA) is the strongest starting hand in Hold'em.

The ratio of the current pot size to the cost of a call. If pot odds are greater than the odds of completing your draw, the call is profitable.

"The pot is $100 and my opponent bets $50. I'm getting 3:1 pot odds (call $50 ..."

A betting structure where the maximum bet is the current size of the pot. Most common in Omaha games.

A small bet made out of position when the preflop aggressor checks back the flop. Used to win the pot or gain information.

Software that provides strategic advice during live play. Banned on all major poker sites as it gives an unfair advantage.

A flop with three different suits, meaning no flush draw is possible with just one more card.

The fee charged by the poker room for hosting a cash game or tournament. Usually 2.5-5% of each pot in cash games, capped at a maximum amount.

A portion of the rake (poker room's fee) returned to the player. Rakeback programs reward loyal players and can significantly increase hourly win r...

"With 30% rakeback, if I pay $1,000 in rake, I get $300 back."

The full set of possible hands a player could hold in a given situation. Thinking in ranges rather than specific hands is a key skill in modern poker.

"His 3-bet range from the button is probably pocket pairs 88+, AJs+, and KQs."

The ability to purchase more chips during a tournament (during the rebuy period). Rebuy tournaments typically have a registration period where re-e...

Short for 'regular' — a player who plays consistently and is part of the regular player pool. Regs are typically competent, breakeven-to-winning pl...

The mathematical probability of losing your entire bankroll. Lower risk of ruin requires a larger bankroll relative to your stakes.

The fifth and final community card in Hold'em and Omaha. Also called 'fifth street.'

A player who frequently catches lucky cards on the river to win hands. A derogatory term.

An agreement between players to deal the remaining community cards twice when all-in, splitting the pot based on both boards. Reduces variance.

A smaller buy-in tournament where the prize is a seat in a larger, more expensive tournament. A common way to qualify for major events.

Betting or raising with a drawing hand that can improve to the best hand. Combines fold equity with the potential to win at showdown.

Three of a kind made with a pocket pair and one matching board card. Stronger than 'trips' (three of a kind using one hole card and two board cards...

A highly skilled, winning poker player who preys on weaker opponents. The opposite of a fish.

Expression meaning to push all your chips into the pot (go all-in). Also used when someone wins a big pot: 'Ship it!'

Having a relatively small number of chips compared to the blinds (typically under 20 big blinds). Short-stack strategy focuses on push/fold decisions.

The point at the end of a hand where remaining players reveal their cards to determine the winner. Occurs after all betting rounds are complete.

A single-table tournament that starts as soon as enough players register. Typically 6, 9, or 10 players. Faster than scheduled MTTs.

Playing a very strong hand passively (checking or calling) to disguise its strength and trap opponents into betting.

The smaller of the two forced bets, posted by the player to the left of the dealer button. Usually half the big blind.

Calling a bet immediately without hesitation, indicating a very strong hand or a clear decision.

Software (like GTO Wizard or PioSolver) that calculates game-theory optimal strategies for specific poker situations.

A large re-raise (3-bet) made after an open raise and one or more callers. Exploits dead money from the callers.

The ratio of the effective stack to the pot on the flop. Low SPR (< 4) favors big hands; high SPR (> 10) favors drawing hands and position.

A voluntary blind bet (usually double the big blind) posted by the player under the gun. Creates more action and a bigger starting pot.

Five cards in sequential rank (e.g., 5-6-7-8-9). A straight beats three of a kind but loses to a flush. Ace can be high (A-K-Q-J-10) or low (A-2-3-...

A playing style characterized by playing few hands but betting/raising aggressively with them. Considered the optimal default strategy.

Taking a long time to make a decision. Tanking with a strong hand can be deceptive (Hollywood), or genuine with a tough decision.

The composition of the community cards. A 'dry' board has few drawing possibilities; a 'wet' board has many straight and flush draws.

A value bet with a hand that beats only a narrow range of the opponent's calling hands. Requires precise hand reading.

An emotional state where a player makes poor decisions due to frustration, anger, or other emotions. Often triggered by bad beats or a losing streak.

"After losing 3 buy-ins to bad beats, I went on tilt and lost 2 more."

Extra time allocated to players in online poker for difficult decisions. Players earn time bank seconds through play.

The fourth community card, dealt after the flop. Also called 'fourth street.'

A hand containing two different pairs (e.g., two kings and two queens). Beats one pair but loses to three of a kind.

The player seated directly to the left of the big blind, who acts first preflop. The worst position at the table because you have no information fr...

The percentage of hands a player voluntarily plays (calls or raises preflop). A key stat for identifying player types: low VPIP = tight, high VPIP ...

"His VPIP is 52% — he's playing way too many hands."

A bet made with a strong hand, designed to be called by a weaker hand. The opposite of a bluff. The goal is to extract maximum value from opponents.

The natural statistical fluctuations in poker results. Even winning players experience downswings due to variance. Higher-variance games (PLO, MTTs...

A very wealthy player who plays high stakes despite being relatively unskilled. Whales are extremely profitable opponents.

A strong straight draw in PLO where you have many outs. For example, holding 8-9-T-J on a 7-6-x board gives you 20 outs.

A fast-fold format (PokerStars' version) where you're moved to a new table with new opponents the instant you fold. Dramatically increases hands pe...