Many of the technical terms used in Poker being peculiar to the game, a knowledge of them will be found necessary to the learner.
Age.—Same as eldest hand.
Ante.—The stake deposited in the pool by the dealer at the beginning of the game. At Straight Poker each player puts up an Ante.
Blind.—This name is given to the bet made by the eldest hand before the cards are cut to be dealt.
The eldest hand alone has the privilege of starting the Blind, though the player to the left of him may, if he likes, double it, and again, the next player, still to the left, may straddle it, which means double it again.
Any player refusing to straddle thus prevents any one else doing so afterwards.
Bluffing Off.—When a player with a weak hand bets so high that he makes his opponents believe he has a very strong hand, and they are deterred from seeing him or going better.
Brag.—To bet for the pool.
Call.—To call a show of hands is for the player whose say is last to deposit in the pool the same amount bet by any preceding player, and demand that the hands be shown.
Chips.—Another name for counters.