Learning the Language of Poker

Many people get cold feet about an actual game of poker, even when they know the basics of how to play. This is often due to not feeling entirely confident about the language which is used to describe different aspects of the game. Do not fear though, the lingo really isn't as tricky as you might have first thought.

It's true that there is however a fair amount of in-depth poker terminology but over time you should be able to get your head around it. In the mean time, while you are still learning, here are some of the key terms to help you start out:

Call: Once the player before you has placed a bet and you choose to equal that bet, this is known as calling.

Community Cards: When playing either Hold'em or Omaha, cards are dealt face up on the table. These cards are available to the players to help them make the best five card hand that they can.

Flop: The first three of the community cards which are dealt in a game of Hold'em or Omaha. They are dealt face up, after which the betting can begin.

Fold: This is basically a way of saying 'I quit'. You are throwing in you cards so you no longer have to place money in the pot. This means you can no longer win, but players usually choose to do this when they know you have very little chance of winning. You can fold at any point throughout the game.

Muck: You'll see this frequently while playing online poker. At the showdown, when everyone reveals their cards, you are able to throw down your cards without revealing what they are. You can do this if you have won or if someone else has revealed a better hand. You will probably choose to do this so that the other players don't get an indication of how you are playing.

Raise: If you choose to not just match the bet made by the previous player, but also to increase it, you are 'raising'.

River Card: When playing Hold'em and Omaha, the fifth and final community card is referred to as the River card. When the river card is dealt, the final round of betting (and fun) can begin.

Turn: After the flop, comes the fourth community card, the 'turn', after which a round of betting once more follows.