At a live poker table in Colombia, you may hear Spanish and English terms in the same conversation. Recognising them makes the session easier to follow. If a word affects your decision or an amount you are about to commit, clarify it before acting.
This glossary introduces common vocabulary. Specific procedures still follow the table’s rules and the instructions of the staff.
Actions during a hand
| English | Common Spanish | General meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Check | Pasar | Continue without betting when the situation allows it |
| Bet | Apostar | Make a bet in the current round of action |
| Call | Igualar or pagar | Match the outstanding bet to continue |
| Raise | Subir | Increase the bet under the applicable rules |
| Fold | Retirarse | Stop participating in the current hand |
| All-in | Ir con todo | Commit the chips available for the action |
Knowing a translation does not replace clear communication. Make sure the table understands what you intend before moving chips. Ask for clarification if you do not know the amount to call.
Chips, positions and bets
Blinds / ciegas. Mandatory bets associated with table positions in games such as Texas Hold’em. “Ciega pequeña” is the small blind; “ciega grande” is the big blind.
Stack. The chips held by a player. The English word is commonly used in Spanish conversation too. In a tournament it describes the player’s event chips; at a cash table it is understood within that game’s conditions.
Buy-in / entrada. The amount used to enter a game or event. Always ask what is included and whether a permitted range or additional conditions apply.
Pot / bote or pozo. The accumulated chips being contested in the hand. You may hear either Spanish word.
Button / botón. A marker identifying a position in the table’s rotation. It should not be confused with a staff member.
Tournament vocabulary
Level / nivel. A section of the structure with stated blinds. Check the length and amounts for the specific event.
Late registration / registro tardío. A period in which an event permits entry after it has started, if the structure offers that option.
Re-entry / reentrada. The opportunity to enter again under the event’s conditions. Do not assume every event allows it or that it is included in the initial entry cost.
Break / pausa. A scheduled rest during an event. Ask about breaks when planning how much time to set aside.
Useful bilingual phrases
- “How much is the call?” / “¿Cuánto es para igualar?”
- “Is it my turn?” / “¿Es mi turno?”
- “Could you explain the rule?” / “¿Puedes explicar la regla?”
- “What are the blinds?” / “¿Cuáles son las ciegas?”
- “This is my first visit.” / “Es mi primera visita.”
Poker House provides information in English and Spanish. Ask about cash game tables, tournaments and entry conditions in your preferred language. For more on clear communication at a live table, read our poker etiquette guide.