Learning a New Language

30 August 2006

By Howard Schwartz

Let's face it. No matter how much poker you see on TV, no matter how much time you spend playing online, you are not going to get the full flavor of poker until you learn the language. Beginners who move from a home poker game to a casino or cardroom should learn to "talk the talk" and understand poker lingo around them. Understanding the peculiar language of poker -- much of which doesn't even relate to cards or chips -- will help the newcomer gain the confidence needed to overcome the noise, lights and flash of a fast-paced cardroom.

True, TV commentators often explain some of the language such as "pocket rockets" (aces) or "over the top" (to raise or re-raise) but it's questionable whether or not that quick info will transfer to real life.

So it is that these and other sometimes puzzling or unclear terms are explained in two new books, both of which could well also be helpful to new dealers. These books are Drawing Dead to a Gutshot: How to Talk Poker by Brant Janeway (127 pages, paperbound, $12.95) and Poker Talk: How to Talk Poker Like a Pro (303 pages, paperbound $9.95) and they explore a whole new world of language for poker players.

Either book would make a fine gift item for a friend, a relative or for grandma who is discovering her hidden talent for bluffing and especially for the significant other who has to attend and watch you play poker but doesn't know a thing about the game.