Poker Terminology: Part 2
The more widely played a game is, the more specific terminologies it usually gathers. It is, therefore, pretty understandable that poker has gathered such a large vocabulary base that poker players can practically converse in their own language. It is not, in fact, uncommon for a new player to feel lost and clueless when in the midst of experienced poker players. It is, therefore, advantageous to learn some of the common terminologies used in poker before you set out for the felt.
1. Grinder – a grinder is someone who earns his living through poker, usually by playing a conservative game and winning small amounts slowly but steadily.
2. Heads up – a game of poker enters into heads up mode when only two players are left vying for the pot.
3. In the Money – when players enter a poker tournament, a large portion of them will go home without any profit. However, if you place high enough in a tournament to be eligible for the prize money, then you are said to be ‘in the money’.
4. Lag – it is a ‘loose aggressive’ playing style wherein one plays a lot of hands and makes only small raises. It is done in the hopes that one may outlast the other opponents.
5. Muck – muck is merely another term for folding. It may, however, also refer to the discard pile.
6. Purse – this term is most commonly used in tournaments. It is, in fact, the term used for the total prize pool in the tournament.
7. Railbird – Railbird is the term used for the spectators in a poker game, particularly those who are just watching and not participating.
8. Shark – this is another word for a ‘pro’ or a professional poker player.
9. Steam – this is when a player gets aggravated, frustrated, angry, and confused, and thus becomes unable to play his best. Usually, when a player reaches this point, his play and profits becomes increasingly poor.
10. Toke – This refers to the tip given to the dealers at a brick-and-mortar casino by the winners. A dealer usually earns a large percentage of his total income through this toke.
11. Up the Ante – This is a term that originates from poker but is used in everyday language. To ‘up the ante’ is to increase the stakes.
12. Weak Ace – this refers to an ace that is coupled with a low kicker, like 2, 3, or 4.
It is impossible to find out all of the terminologies used in poker, especially since the size of poker’s own vocabulary will also increase as the game evolves. This is even truer now that poker has made the transition to the online world. One thing that you should remember, though, is that even if it is easier to smile and nod and just pretend that you know what a term means, it is not always the best recourse. The best thing to do would be to simply ask. This would not only increase your knowledge of the game, it will also serve to make your opponent underestimate you, which would, in a game like poker, give you the upper hand.
