Poker has its own language, from basic terms such as blinds and position to concepts including ICM, blockers and range advantage. Use the Poker Type terminology guide to search poker terms, browse the alphabet or quickly understand the phrases players, commentators and strategy writers use every day.
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Updated: September 28, 2026
Poker Terms A–Z
Kicker
A kicker is an unpaired side card used to separate otherwise equal poker hands. Kickers matter most when two players share the same pair, two pair, trips or other main hand strength.
Example
A-K beats A-Q on an A-8-4-2-2 board because both players have aces and deuces, but the king kicker beats the queen kicker.