Do You Speak Poker?

Specialized vocabulary comes with just about every sport. While some words may be specific only to that sports, still other terms may be used in multiple sports, perhaps with a slightly different meaning. In order to successful participate in these sports, it is important that players have a firm grasp of the vocabulary. Without it, it may be difficult to understand what is going on in the game. The card game of poker comes with its own lexicon and is important that players are able to “speak”.

Poker is a card game most often with the intent of hopefully winning the pot. Therefore, players must wager money in this game. These wagers are referred to as antes. Antes are the amount of money wagered by each play prior to revealing more cards or their hand. So, when you are told to “ante up” you must make a wager.

When faced with making a wager, you do have some options. You may choose to call. No, this doesn’t mean to make a phone call but rather it means that you are going to match the current wager already out on the table. You would add this money to the pot in order to continue in  the game. Depending upon your hand, you may want to increase the current wager on the table. If so, then you would raise, meaning you are increasing the amount. Additionally, you do have the option of no longer playing that hand. This is called a fold. You would simply place your cards face down on the table and announce that you choose to fold. The final option available to a player at this time is to check. This occurs when a player bets no money. However, if the previous players before you have placed a wager, then you may not check. Also, if later another player decides to place a wager, then even if you checked, you must follow suit or leave the hand by folding your cards. Given the multiple meanings of the words check, fold, raise and call, if you did not know their meaning in relation to poker, you could have a difficult time playing.