Board [Meaning] - MasterTerms.com

Board

The board refers to the community cards dealt face-up in the center of the table in poker games, which players use in conjunction with their hole cards to create the best possible hand.

In most forms of poker, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha, the board is revealed in stages, usually starting with three cards known as the “flop,” followed by a fourth card called the “turn,” and a fifth card known as the “river.” Players must consider the board cards when evaluating their own hands and determining potential strategies, as the composition of the board can significantly impact the strength of various hands. For instance, if the board contains cards of the same suit or in a sequence, it may lead to possibilities for flushes or straights.

Board Example

For example, in a game of Texas Hold’em, if the board shows 7♣, 8♣, and 9♠ after the flop, a player holding 6♣ and 10♣ would have a flush and a straight, making their hand very strong compared to other players.