The colorful quotations you hear in poker can be based on real events or just made up from long ago. Here is a list of some popular quotations along with an explanation of what a person really means when he uses the quote.
Phrase | Translation |
"I'd rather be lucky than good." | Typically said by a player who is neither lucky nor good. This player often believes that he should play more hands than reasonable and that he can get on a lucky streak by doing so. In the long haul, when all the luck is bled out of the equation, it's skill that separates winning players from losing players. |
"You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em." | Typically said by a Kenny Rogers fan or someone who has no clue as to whether he should continue playing the hand or fold. |
"Sheesh, what a bad beat." | This refers to when a player loses a hand where, mathematically, she was a big favorite. Most players have a bad beat story. |
"If you can't spot the fish at the poker table, then it's you." | This refers to the fact that, if you can't read players or their abilities very well, you will probably be the sucker at the table. |
"Hey Joe, bring us a live one." | Often said by a player at a card club, asking for a new sucker player to be brought to the table. |
"I'm down a little." | I'm down a lot. |
"Boy, he is a tight player." | Boy, is he anal-retentive and conservative. |
"Read 'em and weep." | Look at my big hand that beats all of your puny hands, suckers. |
"I was drawing to a double belly buster." | This is a draw to two different straights, such as 3-5-6-7-9. A single belly buster is drawing to an inside straight. |
"Sheesh, things can't get any worse." | Usually said by a poker player who has gone on a losing streak, and the streak is about to get worse. |
"Trust everyone, but cut the cards." | Means trust no one, and cut the cards as a way to try to prevent cheating. |
"Any two will do." | Refers to the concept that any two cards in Hold'em can theoretically win the hand. Used as a justification to play truly wretched starting cards. However, we all know that good starting hands are the key to winning at poker in the long run. |