Poker has a language somewhat
to itself. Here is a glossary to familiarize yourself with poker terminology.
Many of the words in this glossary are linked to one another. If you
click a link within a definition, click your browser's "back" button
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A ratio of two probabilities, usually the probability of making a hand to the probability of not making the hand. Thus if you have a 25% chance of making a hand, the odds are 3 to 1 against your making it. In poker, this is especially important in considering pot odds.
Off-suit
Not of the same suit, especially in reference to hole cards. Sometimes abbreviated to just "off."
Omaha
Omaha is a flop game similar to hold'em, but with two key differences. First, each player is dealt four cards instead of just two. Second, a hand must be made using exactly two pocket cards (out of those four) and three from the table. That is, if four suited cards hit the table, you still need two more to make a flush. And if you start with four aces, then you have a pair of aces, with little chance to improve. The high-low variant of omaha, with an 8 or better qualifier for low, is especially popular.
Omaha8
The term "Omaha8" is simply shorthand for omaha high-low split, with an 8 or better qualifier for low, is especially popular.
One-Gap
See inside straight.
Open
To open, or open betting, is simply to make the first bet in a round.
Open Pair
An open pair in seven card stud is an exposed pair - a pair among your up cards.
Open-Ended Straight (Draw)
An straight draw is open-ended if it consists of four consecutive cards (none of them an ace). The straight can be completed at either end. See also double belly buster and inside straight.
Open-Ender
See open-ended straight draw (right down there).
Option
When a player posts a live blind, that player is given the option to raise when their turn comes around, even if no one else has raised. The dealer will typically say something like "your option," to remind them. See also straddle.
Out
An out is a card that will improve your hand, usually one that you think will make it a winner. In hold'em, an open-ended straight draw has eight outs (the four cards of each rank that will complete the straight). But it may be only six outs if there are two suited cards on the table and someone else is drawing for the flush.
Out Button
The button that is positioned in front of a player that sits out, but hasn't left the table.
Outdraw
To make a better hand than an opponent by merit of the cards you draw.
Outrun
See outdraw.
Over Button
In some games, players can take "over" buttons that mean they're willing to play at higher limits. Any time everyone left in the hand has an over button, the limits go up.
Overcall
Any additional call after a bet is first called. Player A bets, player B calls, player C overcalls.
Overcard
In flop games, a card higher than the highest card on the board. If you hold AJ and the flop is J92, you have top pair with an overcard. If the flop is T92, you just have two overcards.
Overpair
In flop games, a pocket pair higher than the highest card on the board. If you hold AA and the flop is K62, you have a nice overpair.
