Texas Holdem - Texas Hold'em Terminology
Board
The communal cards on the table.
Blind Bet
A "Blind Bet" is a forced bet that is taken before the cards are dealt - made instead of an Ante. It is posted by the two players to the left of the Dealer. A "Small Blind" is placed by the player to the Dealer's left. The "Big Blind" is placed by the player left of the Small Blind.
Flop
The first three communal cards dealt.
Hole Cards
The two cards that are dealt face-down to each player (also called "pocket" cards)
Turn
The fourth communal card dealt.
River
The fifth and final, communal card dealt.
Puck/buck/button
A moving disc which indicates the Dealer, and moves in a clockwise direction.
Betting Actions
In any poker game, players strategically wager using a number of actions available to them. The actions are as follows:
CHECK - If there is no wager on the current betting round, a player may check. The act of checking passes the action to the next player immediately clockwise from him or her. A check does not forfeit interest in the pot, only the current right to bet. If all players check during a round of betting, the round is considered complete.
BET - If there is no wager on the current betting round, a player may bet. If a player bets, the player immediately clockwise from him or her (and any subsequent players) may fold, raise, or call.
FOLD - The act of folding forfeits all interest in the pot. A player who folds is not required or allowed to wager any further money for the current game.
CALL - If there has been a wager on the current betting round, a player may call. The act of calling requires the player to match the current bet made by his or her opponent(s).
RAISE - If there has been a wager on the current betting round, a player may raise. The act of raising requires the player to match the current bet, and make a greater one. All subsequent players are required to call the raise or raise again ("re-raise") to maintain interest in the pot.