Poker is a game of skill, strategy, and psychology — but it also has its own language. Whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em, Omaha, or Seven-Card Stud, understanding poker terms is essential for success at the table. Knowing these common terms will help you follow the action, communicate with other players, and make smarter decisions. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to the most important poker vocabulary every player should know before they start.

Basic Poker Terms

1. Blinds

The forced bets posted by two players before cards are dealt to start the action. The Master Poker Malaysia small blind and big blind create an initial pot.

2. Flop

The first three community cards dealt face-up in Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

3. Turn

The fourth community card dealt face-up after the flop.

4. River

The fifth and final community card dealt face-up.

5. Hole Cards

The private cards dealt face-down to each player.

6. Check

To decline to bet when it’s your turn but keep your cards.

7. Call

To match the current highest bet made.

8. Raise

To increase the size of the current bet.

9. Fold

To give up your hand and forfeit the current pot.

10. All-In

Betting all your remaining chips on a single hand.

Common Poker Hand Rankings

1. High Card

When no player has a pair or better, the highest card wins.

2. Pair

Two cards of the same rank.

3. Two Pair

Two different pairs.

4. Three of a Kind (Set or Trips)

Three cards of the same rank.

5. Straight

Five cards in sequence, regardless of suit.

6. Flush

Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.

7. Full House

Three of a kind plus a pair.

8. Four of a Kind (Quads)

Four cards of the same rank.

9. Straight Flush

Five cards in sequence, all of the same suit.

10. Royal Flush

The highest straight flush: 10, J, Q, K, A of the same suit.