If you have ever stopped by a poker table or turned into your direct.tv channel to watch the World Series of Poker, you may feel as if you have entered a world where people aren’t speaking English. Terms like action card, flop, and river are being tossed around every few seconds during the game of poker. While die-hard poker players may know what these terms mean, the average person may not.
To clear up the confusion surrounding many of the poker terms you will hear, here’s a look at the most common terms used during poker and what they mean.
The Action Card
An action card is a card that has been played on the poker table that produces a lot of action. Many times it is a card that could help move a player’s hand up and increase their chances of winning. In order for a card to be considered an action card, two or more players need to increase their bidding when the card has been turned over.
The Flop
The flop is the general term used to describe the first three cards the dealer plays. After the dealer has dealt all the cards out, he or she will place three cards face up to start the hand. That is the flop and what players will base their bidding on.
The River
The river is the very last card the dealer plays face up. It signals the end of the dealers hand. Oftentimes the river card is followed by a round of betting from those playing at the table and then the hand is declared over.
