Poker is a game of chance, skill and nerve. Whether you’re trying to master your hand-reading abilities or improve your bankroll management, it takes time and dedication to become a good poker player. But first, you’ll need to know the lingo. Our comprehensive list of poker terminology will help you get your swagger on!
Ante
The small bet all players must contribute before a hand is dealt. Antes give the pot a value right off the bat and can make a strong hand even better.
Call
When a bet is made and you want to stay in the hand, you must call it (match the amount of money raised by the last raiser). If you don’t want to call, you must fold.
Raise
When you want to increase the stakes of a hand, you must raise it. This is often used to deceive opponents into thinking you have a strong hand.
Bad Beat
The worst thing that can happen to a poker player is getting sucked out of a winning hand by a crazy, mathematically unlikely final card. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of bad beats by practicing and watching experienced players to develop quick instincts.
There are many strategies to play Poker, including improving your physical game, managing your bankroll, studying bet sizes and position, and networking with other players. But the most important aspect of any strategy is staying committed to improving. Only by making a long-term commitment to improving your game can you ensure that your skill eventually outweighs your luck.