Noun

A form of game in which the actual hand value each player reveals determines the winner, rather than using the verbal declaration of hand value as the basis from which to determine the winner; as opposed to declare.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Cards speak is standard in most cardrooms. When players declare rather than letting the cards speak, it is possible for a player to lose a hand that they otherwise would have won. This is due to the possibility of accidentally declaring a hand of lower value than is actually held. Example: Player A has 2c-Ad in the hole. Player B has Ac-Js in the hole. The community cards are 4h-5d-Ah-3s-Jc. This gives Player A a 5-high straight while Player B has two pair, Aces and Jacks. Player A forgot that Aces can be used as low cards and verbally declared the hand as a pair of Aces. If the game was played with the cards speak rule, this remark would be irrelevant and Player A would win using the straight against Player B's two pair. If the game were played with the declare rule, however, this remark would be binding and Player A's pair of Aces would lose to Player B's two pair.

EXAMPLE: "We're playing cards speak."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

ANTONYMS: Declaration, Declare

RELATED TERMS: Slowroll