Some Commonly-used Texas Hold'em Words

As with any other game, Texas Hold'em poker has its own jargon. If you are a beginning poker player, knowing these jargons would benefit you. You would easily learn about the game, since most game guides use these terms. Also, you would avoid the embarrassing situation of not knowing the meaning of a certain term if you are already playing.

Here are some commonly-used Texas Hold'em jargons:

Act: To do certain game-specific actions (e.g. betting, folding, raising) at the specified time.

Blind: A certain for of forced bet made by players to the left of the dealer button. There are two types of blind: the big blind and the small blind. The big blind usually bets the amount equivalent to the minimum bet, and the small blind is required to bet half of the big blind's bet.

Bluff: A strategic action; it is to play aggressively with a hand that has little or no chance of improving. The aim of a bluff is to make other players fold.

Board: The face-up cards in the middle of the table. In Texas Hold'em, these cards are shared among players.

Button: A marker used to signify who the dealer is.

Call: A betting action; to bet an amount equivalent to the last bet.

Check: A betting action; to bet an amount equivalent to zero. This is only allowed if no other player has made a bet or raise.

Drawing hand: Describes a hand that has a chance of improving upon the arrival of the flop, turn, or river.

Flop: The first three board cards that are dealt face-up.

Fold: A game action; it is to discard one's hand and discontinue vying for the pot.

Hole cards: The two face-down cards dealt to each player.

Kicker: In poker hand ranking, a card that is used to break a tie between similarly-ranked hands.

Offsuit: Cards that do not have the same suit.

Out: Refers to a card or cards that will improve one's hand.

Position: Simply refers to the order of arrangement of seats of the players. Oftentimes, it is used in conjunction to the strategic implications of this order.

River: The fifth and final board card to be dealt face up.

Showdown: An event in which after the last betting round, the remaining players in the pot show and compare their hands.

Turn: The fourth board card to be dealt face up.

If you are studying the basics of Texas Hold'em or are reading up on strategies, knowing these commonly-used poker jargons will help you ease through. If you do not understand something, just remember to use this list.