Verb

To check; to continue one's eligibility to win the pot without contributing additional money to the pot.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The term originates from the fact that players may knock on the table when it is their turn to act as a means to indicate checking.

EXAMPLE: "I'll knock."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

SYNONYMS: Check

RELATED TERMS: Call, Check-Raise

Verb

To stand pat; to draw zero cards.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The term originates from the fact that players may knock on the table during the draw phase as a means to indicate that they are not drawing.

EXAMPLE: "Since I've already made a royal flush, I think I'll knock."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

GAME CATEGORY: Draw Games

SYNONYMS: Rap

RELATED TERMS: Pat, Pat Hand Bluff

Noun

A game variation that combines elements of poker with elements of gin rummy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Players are each dealt five downcards. The remaining cards are placed face-down in the center of the table and a turn order is determined. The top card of the deck is flipped over to start a discard pile. During each turn, a player has the choice of three actions: knocking, drawing from the deck, or drawing the top card from the discard pile. If a player draws a card, that player must discard at the end of the turn. The discard pile should be maintained such that only the top card is revealed, and players are not entitled to look through the discard pile to gain information. If a player chooses to knock, a showdown occurs. Typically, if the player who knocked has the best hand, each opponent gives that player a pre-determined amount of money or chips. If the player who knocked loses, that player pays opponents a pre-determined amount of money or number of chips. In some games, the payout uses a pot built through antes, blinds, or betting rather than through the system of paying the knocker or having the knocker pay out. The game may also vary by changing the actions from the typical knocking, drawing from the deck, or drawing from the discards. In these cases, players must draw on their turn, and may knock at the end of their turn. If a player knocks at the end of the turn, an additional round of play occurs before the showdown, giving opponents one more chance to draw and discard to improve their hands.

EXAMPLE: "Would anyone like to play some knock?"

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

GAME CATEGORY: Miscellaneous Games

Verb

To declare a showdown.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Applies only in the game Knock.

EXAMPLE: "I think I've got you all beat. I knock."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

GAME CATEGORY: Miscellaneous Games

RELATED TERMS: Showdown

Verb

When it is one's turn to cut the deck, to declare that the deck is ready to be dealt without rearranging any cards; to cut zero cards.

EXAMPLE: "The deck is good to go. I knock."

APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues

SYNONYMS: Cut

RELATED TERMS: Doghouse Cut, Packet, Scarne Cut, Stacked Deck