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Crypto Poker DB

Crypto Poker Glossary

119+ essential terms covering poker fundamentals, strategy concepts, cryptocurrency, software tools, and betting terminology.

Poker BasicsStrategyCryptoSoftwareBetting

A

Aggression Factor (AF)

A HUD statistic calculated as (bets + raises) divided by calls. An aggression factor above 2 indicates an aggressive player, while below 1 indicates a passive player. AF helps you predict whether opponents are likely to bet, raise, or call in various situations, which is crucial for making correct counter-strategies.

All-In

Betting all of your remaining chips on a single hand. When a player goes all-in, they can no longer be forced out of the pot but cannot win more than their total investment from each opponent. If other players continue betting, a side pot is created for the amounts exceeding the all-in player's stake.

Ante

A small forced bet that every player at the table must post before each hand begins. Antes increase the size of the pot and encourage action. They are commonly used in tournament play, especially in later stages, and in some cash game formats like ante games or big blind ante structures.

B

Bankroll Management

The practice of managing your poker funds to minimize the risk of going broke during natural variance. Proper bankroll management dictates how much of your total funds you should risk at any given stake level. Common guidelines suggest having 20-30 buy-ins for cash games and 50-100 buy-ins for tournaments to withstand normal downswings.

BB/100 (Big Blinds per 100 Hands)

The standard measurement of win rate in cash games, representing how many big blinds you win on average per 100 hands played. A win rate of 5 bb/100 is considered strong at most online stakes. Because of variance, you need at least 50,000-100,000 hands to get a reliable bb/100 figure.

Big Blind

The larger of the two forced bets posted before each hand. The big blind is posted by the player two seats to the left of the dealer button and typically equals one full bet at the table's stakes. The big blind also serves as a unit of measurement for win rates (bb/100) and stack sizes.

Bitcoin (BTC)

The first and most well-known cryptocurrency, widely accepted at crypto poker rooms. Bitcoin offers strong security and broad acceptance but has higher transaction fees and slower confirmation times compared to some alternative networks. Many poker rooms convert Bitcoin deposits to USD or stablecoin balances to avoid volatility during play.

Blinds

Forced bets posted by two players before cards are dealt. The player to the left of the dealer button posts the small blind, and the next player posts the big blind. Blinds create action by ensuring there is always money in the pot to compete for. Blind levels define the stakes of a cash game (e.g., $0.50/$1.00).

Blockchain Verification

The process of confirming transactions or game outcomes on a public blockchain ledger. In crypto poker, blockchain verification can be used to audit deposits, withdrawals, and provably fair game outcomes. Players can verify their transactions using blockchain explorers for complete transparency.

Blockers

Cards in your hand that reduce the probability of your opponent holding specific hands. For example, holding the ace of spades blocks your opponent from having the nut flush draw in spades. Blockers are an advanced concept used to select optimal bluffing hands, as blocking your opponent's value hands makes it more likely they will fold.

Bluff

A bet or raise made with a weak hand intended to make opponents fold better hands. Successful bluffing requires understanding your opponent's tendencies, choosing appropriate spots (favorable board textures, position advantage), and sizing your bet convincingly. Bluffing is an essential part of poker strategy that keeps opponents guessing.

Button

The dealer position at the poker table, marked by a circular disc. The button is the most advantageous position because you act last in every post-flop betting round, giving you maximum information about other players' actions before making decisions. The button rotates clockwise after each hand.

Buy-In

The amount of money required to enter a poker game or tournament. In cash games, the buy-in has minimum and maximum limits (e.g., 20-100 big blinds). In tournaments, the buy-in is a fixed amount that includes the entry fee plus the rake. Proper buy-in management is essential for bankroll management.

C

Call

To match the current bet or raise amount to stay in the hand. Calling is a passive action that keeps you in the pot without increasing the bet. While sometimes necessary, excessive calling (being a 'calling station') is generally considered a weak strategy compared to raising or folding.

Check

To pass the action to the next player without betting, while retaining your cards. You can only check when no bet has been made in the current round. Checking can be used as a strategic tool to trap opponents, control pot size, or see free cards when you have a drawing hand.

Check-Raise

To check when it is your turn to act, then raise after an opponent bets. The check-raise is a powerful move that combines deception with aggression. It can be used for value (to build a larger pot with a strong hand) or as a bluff (to represent a strong hand and force opponents to fold).

Chip Leader

The player with the most chips at a poker table or in a tournament. Being the chip leader provides strategic advantages, especially in tournaments, where you can apply pressure to shorter stacks who risk elimination. The chip leader can often play more aggressively and accumulate chips through intimidation.

Cold Wallet

A cryptocurrency wallet that is not connected to the internet, providing maximum security for storing digital assets. Hardware wallets like Ledger and Trezor are common cold wallets. Poker players should store their long-term bankroll in cold wallets and only transfer funds to hot wallets or poker rooms when needed for play.

Continuation Bet (C-Bet)

A bet made on the flop by the preflop aggressor, continuing the story of holding a strong hand regardless of whether the flop actually improved their hand. C-betting is one of the most common plays in poker and is effective because the preflop raiser's range is perceived as stronger. Typical c-bet frequencies range from 50% to 70%.

Contributed Rake

A method of calculating rakeback based on each player's actual contribution to the pot. Only players who voluntarily put money into the pot (beyond forced bets) receive rakeback credit. This method rewards active players who play more hands but penalizes tight players who fold frequently.

Crypto Deposit

The process of transferring cryptocurrency from your wallet to a poker room account. Crypto deposits require sending funds to the poker room's designated wallet address on the correct blockchain network. Most deposits are credited after a specific number of network confirmations, typically within minutes for fast networks.

Cutoff

The seat directly to the right of the dealer button. The cutoff is a strong late position where you only have the button and the blinds acting behind you. The name derives from the ability to 'cut off' the button's positional advantage by raising and potentially stealing the blinds before the button can act.

D

Dead Money

Chips in the pot that were contributed by players who have already folded. Dead money makes the pot more attractive to contest because it increases the reward without increasing the risk proportionally. The presence of dead money, such as from blinds and antes, is often the motivation for steal attempts.

Dealt Rake

A method of calculating rakeback where the total rake from a hand is divided equally among all players who were dealt cards, regardless of whether they played the hand or folded preflop. Dealt rake benefits tight players who fold frequently, as they still receive their share of the rake generated.

DeFi (Decentralized Finance)

Financial services built on blockchain technology that operate without traditional intermediaries. In the poker context, DeFi concepts enable decentralized poker platforms, yield-bearing bankroll management, and peer-to-peer wagering without centralized operators. Some crypto poker rooms integrate DeFi protocols for staking and liquidity provision.

Donk Bet

A bet made by an out-of-position player into the preflop aggressor, 'leading' into the player who has the initiative. The name comes from 'donkey,' implying it is typically a beginner mistake. However, in modern poker theory, strategic donk bets on certain board textures are recognized as valid plays.

Double Barrel

Making a continuation bet on the flop and then betting again on the turn. Double barreling applies pressure on opponents and represents continued strength. It is most effective on turn cards that improve your range (overcards, scare cards) or when your opponent's range is likely weakened by the board texture.

Downswing

An extended period of losing that can occur even when playing well, due to natural variance. Downswings are inevitable in poker and can last hundreds or thousands of hands. A 10 buy-in downswing is common for winning players. Understanding that downswings are mathematically normal helps maintain proper bankroll management and mental resilience.

E

Early Position

The seats at the poker table that act first in a betting round. In a full ring game, early position includes under-the-gun (UTG) and the seats immediately following. Players in early position should play tighter ranges because they have the least amount of information and will be out of position for the rest of the hand.

Equity

Your percentage chance of winning the pot at any given point in the hand. Equity is calculated based on the possible outcomes with the remaining community cards. For example, a pair of aces has roughly 80% equity against a random hand preflop. Equity calculations drive all major poker decisions and are the foundation of correct play.

Equity Calculator

A software tool that calculates the probability of winning for different hands or ranges against each other. Equity calculators like Equilab and Flopzilla allow players to study hand matchups, range vs. range scenarios, and board texture analysis. They are essential tools for off-table study and strategy development.

Ethereum (ETH)

A major blockchain platform that supports smart contracts and is widely accepted at crypto poker rooms. Ethereum hosts numerous tokens including USDT and USDC via the ERC-20 standard. While Ethereum offers robust security, gas fees can be high during network congestion, making Layer-2 solutions or alternative networks preferable for small transactions.

Expected Value (EV)

The average amount you expect to win or lose on a decision over many repetitions. A positive expected value (+EV) decision earns money in the long run, while a negative expected value (-EV) decision loses money. Every poker decision can be evaluated in terms of EV, making it the ultimate measure of play quality.

Exploitative Play

A strategy that deliberately deviates from GTO to maximize profit against specific opponent tendencies. If an opponent folds too often, you bluff more; if they call too much, you value bet wider and bluff less. Exploitative play requires reading opponents accurately and is most effective in weaker player pools common at many crypto poker rooms.

F

Fiat On-Ramp

A service that allows users to purchase cryptocurrency using traditional payment methods like credit cards, bank transfers, or payment apps. Fiat on-ramps are useful for poker players who want to fund their accounts with traditional currency but play at crypto-only poker rooms. Services like MoonPay and Simplex are common integrated on-ramps.

Final Table

The last table remaining in a poker tournament, typically consisting of 6 to 9 players. Reaching the final table in a large tournament represents a significant cash prize increase. Final table play involves intense ICM pressure as each elimination moves surviving players into higher prize tiers.

Float

Calling a bet (typically a continuation bet) on the flop with the intention of taking the pot away on a later street, regardless of hand improvement. Floating is an advanced bluffing technique that exploits opponents who c-bet frequently but give up on the turn. Position is crucial for successful floating.

Flop

The first three community cards dealt face-up on the board in Texas Hold'em and Omaha. The flop is dealt after the first round of betting (preflop) and dramatically shapes the direction of the hand. Approximately 71% of a player's final hand is known after the flop, making it a critical decision point.

Fold

To discard your hand and forfeit any claim to the current pot. Folding is the act of giving up on the hand, typically when your cards are too weak to continue or the cost of calling is not justified by your potential to win. Good players fold the majority of their starting hands.

Fold Equity

The additional value gained from the possibility that your opponent will fold to your bet. Fold equity is what makes bluffing profitable: even if your hand has little chance of winning at showdown, the chance that your opponent folds makes the bet worthwhile. The larger the bet relative to the pot, the more fold equity you have.

Four-Bet

The fourth bet in a sequence: a raise against a three-bet. Four-betting typically represents a very narrow, strong range of hands and puts significant pressure on the three-bettor. In cash games, four-bets usually commit a large portion of effective stacks, making the decision to four-bet or fold crucial.

Freeroll

A poker tournament with no entry fee that awards real money or prizes. Freerolls are common promotions at crypto poker rooms to attract new players and reward loyalty. While freerolls have large fields and small prizes relative to effort, they provide risk-free opportunities to build a bankroll from nothing.

Full Ring

A poker table with nine or ten players. Full ring games feature tighter play overall because more players increase the chance of someone holding a strong hand. With more positions to navigate, early position ranges are very tight while late position can still open relatively wide.

G

Gas Fee

The transaction fee paid to blockchain validators for processing a cryptocurrency transaction. Gas fees vary by network: Ethereum fees can be high during peak congestion, while networks like Tron, Solana, and Litecoin offer much lower fees. Choosing the right network for poker deposits and withdrawals can save significant money on transaction costs.

GTO (Game Theory Optimal)

A mathematically balanced strategy that cannot be exploited by any opponent. GTO play involves using mixed strategies with theoretically correct frequencies for betting, calling, raising, and folding. While perfect GTO play is impossible for humans, studying GTO solutions helps players understand correct baseline strategies from which they can make exploitative adjustments.

Guaranteed Tournament

A tournament where the poker room guarantees a minimum prize pool regardless of the number of entries. If player buy-ins do not reach the guaranteed amount, the room covers the shortfall (overlay). Guaranteed tournaments are popular at crypto poker rooms and can offer significant value when they fail to fill.

H

Hand History

A text file record of every action taken in a poker hand, generated by the poker room software. Hand histories contain all the information needed for analysis: hole cards, community cards, bet sizes, positions, and timing. They are the raw data used by HUDs, trackers, and analysis tools to generate statistics and reviews.

Hand Replayer

A software tool that visually replays completed poker hands, allowing you to review the action step by step. Hand replayers are integrated into tracking software like Poker Tracker and Hold'em Manager. Reviewing hands with a replayer is an essential study technique for identifying mistakes and improving decision-making.

Heads-Up

A poker game or situation involving only two players. Heads-up can refer to a dedicated two-player format or the final stage of a tournament. Heads-up play requires a dramatically different strategy compared to full ring play, with much wider opening ranges and frequent aggression since you are always in the blinds.

Heads-Up Display

The full name for HUD, a software tool that overlays opponent statistics on the poker table in real-time. A heads-up display shows key metrics derived from hand history analysis, allowing players to quickly assess opponent tendencies without relying solely on memory or notes.

Hold'em Manager

A comprehensive poker tracking and analysis program that competes with Poker Tracker as the industry standard. Hold'em Manager (HM3) provides HUD overlays, session analysis, hand replaying, and extensive statistical reports. It integrates with most major poker rooms and supports multiple game types.

Hot Wallet

A cryptocurrency wallet connected to the internet, allowing quick transactions but with higher security risk compared to cold wallets. MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and exchange wallets are common hot wallets. Poker players typically use hot wallets for active deposits and withdrawals due to their convenience and speed.

Hourly Rate

The amount of money you expect to win per hour of play, calculated from your win rate and the number of hands per hour. Multi-tabling increases your hourly rate by multiplying the hands played. For example, a 3 bb/100 win rate at $0.50/$1.00 playing 500 hands/hour equals approximately $15/hour before rakeback.

HUD (Heads-Up Display)

A software overlay that displays real-time statistics about your opponents directly on the poker table. HUDs aggregate data from hand histories to show metrics like VPIP, PFR, aggression factor, and more. HUDs are essential tools for serious online poker players, helping identify opponent tendencies and make better decisions.

I

ICM (Independent Chip Model)

A mathematical model used to assign a real money value to tournament chip stacks based on the prize structure. ICM recognizes that tournament chips have diminishing value: doubling your stack does not double your equity in the prize pool. ICM heavily influences tournament strategy, especially near the money bubble and at final tables.

Implied Odds

The ratio of the total amount you expect to win (including future bets) to the cost of the current call. Implied odds extend the concept of pot odds by factoring in potential future winnings. Drawing hands with good implied odds justify calls that pot odds alone would not support, because completing your draw may win a large pot on later streets.

ITM (In the Money)

Finishing a tournament in a position that pays prize money. ITM percentage is the rate at which a player cashes in tournaments. A typical ITM rate for skilled players is 15-20% in standard tournaments. While ITM rate is useful, it does not tell the full story since deep runs and final tables contribute disproportionately to profits.

L

Late Position

The seats at the poker table that act last or near-last in a betting round, specifically the cutoff and the button. Late position is the most profitable because you see how most opponents act before making your decision. Players in late position can open wider ranges and apply more pressure through position.

Litecoin (LTC)

A cryptocurrency often used for poker deposits due to its faster block times and lower fees compared to Bitcoin. Litecoin transactions typically confirm in about 2.5 minutes versus Bitcoin's 10 minutes, making it a practical choice for poker room deposits and withdrawals when speed and cost matter.