Verb
To place an object over one's cards.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Protecting one's cards in this manner prevents them from being accidentally mucked or fouled. Typically, if another player's cards accidentally touch your cards, then your hand is declared dead. This declaration may not apply if it is clear which cards belong to which player, and the protection of one's cards with an object on top of them makes this determination easier.
EXAMPLE: "I started protecting my cards after the dealer mucked my hand. I had my cards out in front of me a little bit, and the dealer thought I had folded."
APPLIES TO: Land-based Venues
RELATED TERMS: Card Protector, Foul, Muck
Verb
To glance at one's cards in such a manner as to prevent opponents or bystanders from viewing them.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: While it is within the rules to act on the knowledge gained when opponents fail to protect their cards, it is generally accepted etiquette to provide those players one warning so as to avoid the mistake in the future.
EXAMPLE: "The person sitting next to me was holding their cards up for practically the entire room to see. I left my opponent know I could see them, but it didn't change anything. The person still didn't protect them."
APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues
Verb
To make a bet that is intended to reduce the number of opponents remaining in the hand, thus increasing the percentage chance of winning on the showdown.
EXAMPLE: "I raised in order to protect my hand. I was afraid someone would suck out on me."
APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues
RELATED TERMS: Freeze Out, Outdraw, Protection, Protection Bet
Verb
When a player has already committed money or chips to the pot but has a weak or marginal hand, to call or raise after an opponent has bet.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: When making such a bet or raise, the player is protecting not only the chips or money already committed to the pot but is also protecting chips or money in future hands from opponents' bluffing attempts.
EXAMPLE: "I'm usually a fairly tight player, but if I think I'm being bullied I'll call or raise just to protect my blinds."
APPLIES TO: Online and Land-based Venues
RELATED TERMS: Big Blind, Blind Game, Small Blind, Steal