Whether you are new to the game of poker or a savvy that has known this game since before the invention of the internet it can be helpful to make sure to know some of its terminology.
Before you start
Most online casinos have a specific poker room where only poker games are played. This is usually called a “Card Room” and depending on your status you might be eligible for a bonus as you enter and make your first real money deposit.
To start playing with real money you need to make a “Buy in”. This is the minimum cost for a tournament or for chips required to enter a game. If you make the first bet in a round this is called to “Open”. As you get started playing you will hopefully not be dealt “Rags”. This is what cards that are useless are being called.
At the table
If you didn’t make it to the start of a game but you join it when it has already started this is called to “Sit In”. Many poker players enjoy themselves simultaneously with the poker game in a “Chat”. This is a pop up window where you can get to know the other players. This could be a lot of fun but make sure it doesn’t cause a “Leak”, a weakness in your game that will make you win less money. If you have a “Clean Out” which is a card that will most likely make your hand the best and you have troubles keeping a poker face you should probably stay by the table and avoid the side activities.
People who play a lot will eventually develop a method or pattern of play. To play aggressively and to raise and bet as much as you can is named a “Fast Play”. If you are the kind of player that will only play the best hand and nothing less you will be called a “Rock”.
When checking out
The expression that is useful to know in all online casino-gambling is “Cash Out”. When you decide to go for the “Cash Out” option you finish your game and exchange your chips for cash. Naturally you need to have something to cash out and you should make sure to know just what is in your account with regards to real money and bonus money.
If you’re not looking for the money but you want to give in and leave the game you will have to “Fold”. This means that you don’t have to contribute more money to the pot but it also means that you threw in your cards and you are no longer participating in the game. If you want to try and end the game by having the other players fold, you can try and pull a “Bluff”. A Bluff is when you pretend to have a better hand than what you do. Another term for this is to “Buy the pot”. This is when you bluff and hope to buy the pot without being called.
