Hole Cards: The two private cards dealt face-down to each player at the start of the hand. Only the player who receives them can see these cards initially, forming the foundation of their strategic decisions throughout the betting rounds.
Community Cards: Five cards placed face-up in the center of the table that all players can use to make their best five-card hand. These are revealed gradually: the flop (three cards), the turn (one card), and the river (one card).
Flop: The first three community cards revealed together after the initial betting round. This moment is critical as players see 5 of the 7 cards available to them, completing about 71% of the final hand information.
Turn: The fourth community card, revealed after the second betting round. At this point, players can calculate exact odds for completing their draws, as only one card remains unseen.
River: The fifth and final community card, revealed after the third betting round. With all cards now visible, players make their final decisions based on complete hand information.
Blind: Forced bets made by players in specific positions before any cards are dealt. The small blind is typically half the minimum bet, while the big blind equals the minimum bet. These ensure money enters the pot and initiate action.