Poker Glossary
Every poker term you need to know, from the basics to advanced strategy concepts. Clear definitions with real examples.
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.
Betting all of your remaining chips. Once all-in, you can't be forced to fold and compete for the main pot.
A forced bet that all players must post before each hand. Antes increase action by creating a larger starting pot. Common in tournaments.
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...
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."
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 bet made out of position by a player who did NOT have the initiative (wasn't the preflop raiser). Generally considered non-standard play.
Calling a bet (usually a c-bet) with the intention of bluffing on a later street, rather than because of hand strength.
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 ...
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...
Calling the big blind preflop instead of raising. Generally considered a weak play in modern poker, except in some multiway spots.
A bet larger than the current pot. Used to polarize your range between very strong hands and bluffs, putting maximum pressure on opponents.
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.
Betting or raising with a drawing hand that can improve to the best hand. Combines fold equity with the potential to win at showdown.
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.
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.
A value bet with a hand that beats only a narrow range of the opponent's calling hands. Requires precise hand reading.
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.
Why Learn Poker Terminology?
Understanding poker terminology is essential for improving your game. Whether you're reading strategy articles, watching training videos, or discussing hands with friends, knowing the language of poker helps you communicate effectively and learn faster. Our glossary covers everything from basic terms like "blinds" and "flop" to advanced concepts like "GTO," "ICM," and "range advantage."
Bookmark this page and refer back to it whenever you encounter an unfamiliar term. We update our glossary regularly with new poker terminology as the game evolves.
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