Poker Player Terms

Big Blind (Texas Hold'em)

This is the seat position in poker in which a player must make an involuntary bet before any cards are dealt. The big blind bet is typically at least the minimum allowed to bet in the first round, and the big blind position is two seats to the left of the dealer button.

Button

This is a disc or other object which represents the dealer position at a table in poker, whether a player is dealing or there is a professional dealer. The player behind the button is the last to bet in a round, also called the buck.

Calling Station

This is a term for a player that doesn't fold or raise much, but instead tends to call much of the time. They tend to be weak players because they'll call on a weak hand.

Cut Off (Texas Hold'Em)

The player in the seat immediately to the right of the dealer position who cuts the cards before they are dealt.

Dealer

The individual dealing the cards, can either be a player in the game or a professional dealer who isn't in the game. Regardless of whether there is a professional dealer a player in the game will be designated the position of dealer for the purpose of creating the betting order.

Fish

This term is used to describe a player who is not good and doesn't use much strategy if any.

Maniac

A player that plays poker recklessly making aggressive and frequent bets, bluffs and raises.

Mechanic

This is another term for a card shark.

Shark

In poker terms this is a very good player who uses deception as much as anything to win the game. They are also known as card sharks or card sharps. These players might not always be obviously good, and historically have been known for taking advantage of lesser skilled players.

Rock

A rock refers to a player who plays very conservatively and tightly, not betting on many hands and usually only when they have a strong hand. These players tend to be predictable.

Small Blind

In a blind betting structure the small blind is the smaller of two involuntary bets made before any cards are dealt by the player in the small blind position. This position is the seat directly to the left of the player dealing or behind the dealer button. The small blind is typically half of the amount of the big blind bet which is usually equal to a first round bet.

Tilt

Tilt is a term used to describe a player that is not playing at their best, playing in a reckless way with little or no strategy because they're playing more with emotion rather than reason which is a serious costly poker leak in a player's game.

Under the Gun (Texas Hold'Em)

This is the player who is directly left of the big blind who has to act first during the first round of action.

Underdog

A common term used to describe the player with the least advantage in the game.

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