Poker Glossary
Every poker term you need to know, from the basics to advanced strategy concepts. Clear definitions with real examples.
A draw that requires two consecutive cards to complete. A backdoor flush draw needs runner-runner of the same suit.
A card that doesn't appear to help any player. A 'bricked' turn or river means the card was irrelevant.
A passive player who calls bets too frequently but rarely raises. Calling stations are profitable opponents because they call value bets but don't ...
A situation where two players are roughly 50/50 to win. Classic example: pocket pair vs two overcards (e.g., JJ vs AK).
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.
A weak or inexperienced player who frequently makes strategic errors. Fish are the primary source of profit for winning players.
A player who earns a steady income through disciplined, consistent play rather than high-risk gambling. Grinders focus on volume and small edges.
An extremely tight player who only plays premium hands. Nits are easy to exploit because their range is very narrow and predictable.
Short for 'regular' — a player who plays consistently and is part of the regular player pool. Regs are typically competent, breakeven-to-winning pl...
A player who frequently catches lucky cards on the river to win hands. A derogatory term.
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!'
Calling a bet immediately without hesitation, indicating a very strong hand or a clear decision.
Taking a long time to make a decision. Tanking with a strong hand can be deceptive (Hollywood), or genuine with a tough decision.
A very wealthy player who plays high stakes despite being relatively unskilled. Whales are extremely profitable 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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