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Fun Facts about Poker Terminology

By Sherry Holetzky

Did you know that quite a few poker terms are named for animals? Check it out, but don't let those cute names fool you:

While a "bear" in common terms makes us think of a powerful animal with great strength, it is the opposite in poker terms. The term bear describes a very conservative player, who bets little and plays in an overly cautious manner. He or she may try to set different rules for the game, or ask for very low betting limits (also known as a drummer or a milker).

You can also find a "duck" in poker, only this duck doesn't quack. A duck is simply another name for a deuce or a two.

A "dog" is often called man's best friend but that doesn't apply in poker. It refers to a bad hand, or a bad card.

Then there is the "fish." This term is used to refer to an unskilled or new player, who would probably be better off playing "Go Fish" than poker. A fish tends to bet wildly even when he can't beat what's showing, loses frequently, and has little knowledge of the nuances of poker or the expected etiquette of the game.

Similar to the fish, the "minnow" tends jump into a game even though he or she does not have enough money to compete. A minnow also bets beyond his means, and often loses.

You don't want to be the "monkey" in poker. A monkey is a person who gets taken easily and either loses a lot of money to more savvy players, or he or she may be duped by a player who cheats.

And, last but not least, the "rabbit." The rabbit is a lot like the fish, only usually plays a bit more timidly or may ask too many questions (i.e. does this beat that?). Refined players have very little patience for fish and rabbits.

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