Action: Refers to each players turn; being inclined to place bets; the bets
themselves
Ante: An ante is a forced bet, before the start of play, where
all players must add to the pot. The amount is typically
based either on a fixed amount, or is decided by the dealer.
Bet: Any money wagered, or the amount specified in a fixed
amount game.
Blind: A specific type of forced bet, made by the players
directly to the left of the dealer, who place their bet without
first seeing their cards. An action taken without information which
would normally be available.
Bluff: To make a bet on a losing hand with the hopes that
the opponent will fold.
Bring-In: A type of forced bet, made during stud, where
the player with the lowest showing card makes the first
bet.
Bump: Synonymous with the term “raise.”
Buy In: The minimum amount of money which is required to
participate in a game of poker, only required in certain
games.
Call: To match a raise by betting the same amount.
Check: To decline to place a bet, prior to the first
bet being made; signified by tapping the table.
Deuce: The #2 card, or any other use of the #2.
Fixed Limit: In fixed limit games, the betted amount
is a fixed value for each round.
Fold: To give up on a hand.
Forced Bet: A type of bet where participants are required
to add to the pot, at the beginning of play.
Hand: A single players cards, or one complete round of
poker.
Muck: Synonymous with fold. Also, not showing one’s hand:
after winning without a showdown, or a showdown where
the better hand is revealed first.
Open: The first bet made in a round of poker.
Pair: Two of a kind.
Pot: The pool of all wagered money in a game.
Pot Limit: Players are allowed to bet up to the amount
currently in the pot.
Quads: Four of a kind.
Raise: To increase the amount being wagered, forcing all other
to call. It is a common rule that all raises must equal or greater
than all previous raises.
Rake: A fee collected by the casino.
Set: Three of a kind.
Showdown: The end of a hand, where all players who haven’t
folded reveal their cards.
Wild Card: A card, designated at the beginning of play, which
can be used to fill a hand.
