Coffeehousing
Coffeehousing is talking about a hand you are in, to mislead or manipulate other players.
The simple explanation
Coffeehousing means chatting about your hand to influence opponents. For example, a player may speak confidently or complain loudly to get others to fold or call. It is usually viewed as poor etiquette, and in many rooms it is against the rules. If someone is coffeehousing you, the best response is to ignore the talk and base your decision on the cards and the betting.
A closer look
The rules differ between live and online games. In live games, table talk is part of the atmosphere, but statements about your hand that are meant to deceive can be penalized. Online, sites usually restrict chat while you are in a hand, because talking about it can also help colluding players. Coffeehousing works best on inexperienced players, while experienced players ignore it. Coffeehousing can also be accidental. A player who thinks aloud may not be trying to deceive, but the effect on others is the same.
A practical example
A player facing a bet says 'I hope you do not have the ace' in a worried tone, trying to get an opponent to reveal or fold. That is coffeehousing.
Full explanation
Coffeehousing is talking about a hand you are in, to mislead or manipulate other players.
Coffeehousing is talk intended to mislead or manipulate other players about a hand in play. The word comes from the idea of chatter in a coffeehouse.
Rules about it vary. Some rooms warn or penalize obvious attempts to deceive opponents, especially statements about the strength of your hand. Others allow table talk if it does not give away information you should not give.
Online, coffeehousing can be reported to support, and sites often restrict chat during a hand. Chat is also a common tool for collusion, which is another reason for the restriction.
Even where it is allowed, heavy coffeehousing is considered bad manners. It can also backfire because experienced players read it as a sign that you are trying too hard.
The word is used most often in live poker, where players can speak to each other. It has a milder form called table talk.
Alternative spelling: coffee housing, coffee-housing