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Poker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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poker

[หˆpoสŠkษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

card game

A card game played by two or more people in which the players bet on the value of their hands. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.

Synonyms

betting, cards, gambling.

Examples of usage

  • He enjoys playing poker with his friends every Friday night.
  • She won a lot of money in a high-stakes poker game in Las Vegas.
Context #2 | Noun

slang

A tactic of deceit or bluffing, often used in a competitive situation.

Synonyms

bluffing, deceit, strategy.

Examples of usage

  • He used his charm and poker face to negotiate a better deal.
  • Her poker skills helped her navigate the complex political landscape.
Context #3 | Verb

slang

To engage in deceitful or strategic behavior, often in a competitive environment.

Synonyms

bluff, deceive, manipulate.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to poker his way through the negotiations.
  • She pokers her opponents with subtle manipulation tactics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The game has roots tracing back to the 16th century, originally played in Germany as 'Pochen', meaning 'to knock'.
  • By the 19th century, poker made its way to the United States, evolving through different regional variants, including 'stud' and 'draw' poker.

Culture

  • Poker has inspired a whole subculture, with movies like 'Rounders' and 'Molly's Game' showcasing high-stakes play.
  • The World Series of Poker, started in 1970, has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious poker tournaments globally.

Psychology

  • Players often rely on 'bluffing'โ€”faking confidence about their handโ€”an important psychological tactic in the game.
  • Studies suggest that success in poker requires a balance of risk management and psychological awareness of opponents' behavior.

Mathematics

  • Probability plays a key role in poker; skilled players calculate the odds of getting specific cards based on known information.
  • The 'pot odds' concept helps players make more informed decisions about whether to call, raise, or fold based on the chance of winning.

Technology

  • The rise of the internet in the late 1990s led to online poker, allowing millions to play against each other globally.
  • Computer algorithms have developed to analyze poker strategies, and some programs can even compete with human professionals.

Origin of 'poker'

The word 'poker' originates from the French word 'poque', which in turn is believed to have been derived from the German word 'pochen', meaning 'to brag' or 'to bluff'. The card game of poker has a rich history, with various forms and variations emerging over the centuries. It has become a popular pastime and is often associated with casinos and high-stakes competitions.

See also: pokemon.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,557, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.