Poker Glossary
Every poker term you need to know, from the basics to advanced strategy concepts. Clear definitions with real examples.
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...
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."
A tournament or cash game where players have significantly more chips relative to the blinds (typically 200+ big blinds). Allows for more post-flop...
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 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...
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 period during which players can still enter a tournament after it has started. Late reg periods typically last 1-3 hours.
A tournament with many entrants spread across multiple tables. As players are eliminated, tables are consolidated until one player remains.
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 ability to purchase more chips during a tournament (during the rebuy period). Rebuy tournaments typically have a registration period where re-e...
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.
Having a relatively small number of chips compared to the blinds (typically under 20 big blinds). Short-stack strategy focuses on push/fold decisions.
A single-table tournament that starts as soon as enough players register. Typically 6, 9, or 10 players. Faster than scheduled MTTs.
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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