A game played in a poker room or other cardroom for money, sometimes for very large stakes. There are many different ways to play poker and it can be a fun, social or competitive game. It requires a lot of luck but it is also based on skill and knowledge. The game can be played in homes for pennies or matchsticks, or professionally at famous casinos for thousands of dollars.

A hand that improves on the flop, turn and river to make a winning hand. Sometimes called a nut hand.

Using a chip of a higher denomination than required to call a previous bet, often with the intention of indicating that a raise is intended. Sometimes also called coming over the top.

To steadily accumulate chips in tournament play, usually by winning small pots with minimal risk-taking. This is often done to avoid having to play a tournament to its conclusion. See also hit and run.

The lower of two forced bets in fixed limit games. See main article: big bet.

When a player is not at his seat when the first cards are dealt on the initial deal, he will have a dead hand. This is considered a serious foul by some players and may result in him being ejected from the tournament.

A casino employee whose job is to greet players entering the poker room, maintain a list of persons waiting to play, announce open seats and perform various other duties as necessary. The house is also responsible for distributing chips, keeping track of the buy-ins and paying winners.