Poker Encyclopedia Volume K

Discover poker history, poker games, poker strategy, and a wealth of information about poker.

K

Kansas City low

Deuce-to-seven lowball.

keep (a bettor) honest

To call a final bet while not expecting to win, for the primary purpose of discouraging future bluffs.

kicker

1. A card not directly involved in evaluating a hand, but that may be used for breaking ties. See kicker. Also "side card".
2. A non-paired card kept before the draw in draw poker in hope of pairing it.

kill, kill pot

1. An occasional hand played at double the usual stakes at an agreed-upon time; often when a player wins two hands in a row, or when a player scoops in a split-pot game. The "lucky" player is often required to post an extra blind for double the usual blind amount. See also "half-kill".
2. The custom of dealing one card face down to the side for each card dealt face up as community in community games. The cards dealt face down (not to any players) are out of play (have been killed) and ensure that the deck is not stacked.

kilter

A non-standard poker hand of various description. Also "pelter".

kitty

A pool of money built by collecting small amounts from certain pots, often used to buy refreshments, cards, and so on. The home-game equivalent of a rake.