Before joining a poker game, it would be a good idea to learn not only the basic rules, but also basic terminology that is often used by players before, during and after the match.
Types of poker games
There are dozens of various types of poker games, each one has a set of different rules and, of course, different names. Here are some of the most popular types:
- Texas Hold’em – considered to be one of the most popular types with simple to learn rules. At the start of the game, each player gets 2 cards face down, and after that 5 community cards are opened. To win you have to get the best combination of 5 cards.
- Omaha Hold’em – exists in different formats. Yet, for most of them the rules are pretty similar: 4 cards for each player at the start, with 5 community cards opened. You choose two cards out of your hand to combine it with three community cards to win.
Main poker terminology
Action – can mean either player’s turn or number of the bets in the pot;
Ante – chosen at the start of the table, ante is a minimum amount of required action;
All-In – making a bet with all chips you have;
Burn – is to discard the top card with its face down;
Call – a bet made equal to the bet made before;
Check – when bet is made without folding;
Community Cards – these cards are opened in the center of the table by the dealer. Also called “board”;
Flop – first three board cards. The fourth one is called the “turn”, and the final – a “river”;
Fold – to fold is to lose your bets that you have made and surrender all your cards in the hand.