Giskard's definitions

Running Bad

Used in the game of Poker, "Running Bad" is used to describe a player who is losing badly at the table, often by a fish.

With three fish at this table, I can't believe Jason is the only one running badly.

by Giskard March 22, 2005

The Snap

"The Snap" is slang for breaking the balls in a game of pocket billiards (or pool).

I saw the look of consternation on his face when I made the 9 on the snap.

by Giskard July 2, 2004

Quads

In the game of poker, and possibly other card games, the term "Quads" means a player has four of the same card rank, or four-of-a-kind.

I didn't think much of my pocket snowmen until I flopped a set of 8's and then got quads on the river -- I knew I had the best hand.

by Giskard March 22, 2005

action

Often used in billiards (or gambling in general), it refers to a game for money, or a location that is known for money games.

Where can we find some action?

by Giskard July 2, 2004

Short Stack

In the game of Poker, a player who has a small (or smallest) amount of chips at the table is said to be have the "Short Stack" or be "Short-Stacked."

You often see short-stacked players go all in if they have at least one overcard or any pocket pair.

Phil Hellmuth, after mucking his hand on tilt, found himself short stacked.

by Giskard March 22, 2005

Ball in Hand

In various types of pocket billiards (pool), "ball in hand" refers to a player's right to place the cue ball anywhere on the table. Getting "ball in hand" means that the opposing player (the offending player) committed a foul, an example being a table scratch.

"Ball in hand," he yelled, throwing the cue ball sheepishly on the table after fouling.

by Giskard July 2, 2004

Tarheel

The word Tar Heel (or, Tarheel) is the nickname given to someone who is a native or resident of North Carolina, the Tar Heel State.

The term allegedly comes from the Colonial Era in which tar was one of North Carolina's major products. It came from the workers who walked through the forrest accumulating the tar on their shoes.

A more colorful explanation comes from the Civil War in which North Carolinian soldiers were abandoned by other retreating soldiers to fight alone. Upon returning to the retreaters, the "Tar Heel Boys" told the other soldiers, "Next time we'll put tar on your heels to make them stick," insinuating that they won't be able to flee.

"God bless the Tar Heel boys," General Robert E. Lee exclaimed, on hearing the story.

by Giskard July 13, 2004