Poker Terms:
Stake The amount of a player's BUY-IN, or the amount of money they are willing to play with in a given session.
Blind The bet(s) that must be made by the two players sitting directly to the dealer's left which will start the action on the first round of betting. The blinds are posted before any cards are dealt. (A "Blind" bet is one that is made in the dark without looking at your cards.)
Small Blind The amount put in the pot by the person immediately to the left of the dealer "button" prior to the cards being dealt. typically half a small bet (for example, $1 in a $2/$4 game).
Big Blind A designated amount that is placed by the player sitting in the second position, clockwise from the dealer, before any cards are dealt. (Players joining a game in progress must post a Big Blind, but may do so from any position.) In World Poker Tour (tournament play) this amount increases after each timed round. The big blind is always a full small bet ($2 in a $2/$4 game).
Dealer The man or woman who handles the cards, gives out the pots, and monitors the game, in online poker games the dealer is usually one of the players (changes every session
Dealers Button The man or woman who handles the cards, gives out the pots, and monitors the game, in online poker games the dealer is usually one of the players (changes every session.
Flop The first three community cards, which are turned face up together before the start of the second round of betting.
Turn The fourth communal card.
River This is the last card given in all games.
Rake Chips taken from the pot by the cardroom for compensation for hosting the game.
Call Matching a bet amount.
Fold Stop playing the hand, laying down your cards and you are out.
Check When it's a player's turn to act and there has been no action in front of them and he opts not to bet.
Raise To increase the previous bet.
Round of Betting This is when players have the opportunity to bet, check or raise. Each round of betting ends when the last bet or raise has been called.
Showdown At the end of the final betting round, it's when all active players turn their cards face-up to see who has won the pot.