Poker glossary
Dark
Dark describes an action taken without prior information or visible betting.
Full explanation
Dark describes an action taken without prior information or visible betting.
Explanation. When someone “bets dark,” they bet before action goes to them—or check-raise without noticing previous bets. In both cases, players act “in the dark,” without seeing opponents’ intentions. The term highlights unpredictability. Dark plays can surprise opponents but also invite calls. Used in live or online play, it adds psychological nuance.