Outs and Odds

Basic Poker Terms

There are terms in the game of Poker that all novice players must be acquainted with. Poker players should not only learn the rules and the procedures of Poker, but also be familiar with the common terms used in the Poker game.

Learning the Poker terms is vital to maintain the smooth flow of the Poker game. While Poker dealers see to it that all Poker players observe the rules of the game, Poker players are also expected to learn the basics before they sit on the Poker table.

The following are a few of the most important basic Poker terms used in most Poker games and its famous variations like Texas Hold'em and Omaha High.

Memorize each one of these before you join your first Poker game.

Before joining a Poker game, a "Buy-in" must be made. In Poker, this refers to the required sum of money needed to join the game. For example, if the buy in costs $50, all Poker players must have $50 or must pay the casino $50 before he can play at the Poker table.

The rake refers to payment to casinos for use of its services. The rake is usually obtained from the Poker pot. The Poker pot is the collection of all bets made by all Poker players in the Poker table. The Poker winner takes home the pot less the rake.

In Poker Betting, there are also terms to be familiarized with. Ante refers to the minimum required bid in Poker. An ante is done before the game starts. It can be increased later on in the game of Poker. Poker players who increase the ante are called "blinds." When a poker player bets all his chips, it called an "all-in."

The limp refers to Poker players who bet before the flop. While flop refers to the first three cards distributed to the Poker players. Poker players who equal the highest bid are said to make a "call." While Poker players who "raise" must first "call" before allowed to make a raise.

Poker players "fold" when they have the losing hand. While the Poker player with the best possible hand in Poker is said to have the "nuts."

Overpairs in Poker table refer to having the highest pair than those already laid on the Poker table. Top pairs in Poker refer to the highest pair on the Poker table, while Bottom pairs are the lowest pair on the table. Rank refers to the numerical value of the cards in Poker.

Poker players may pas a turn and this is called a "check." A Poker player is "Under the Gun" when he is the first to act in the Poker game.

These basic terms used in Poker are crucial for the success of any Poker player. Be sure to remember them when you are in the Poker room to make sure you will not be fooled by other Poker players.