Z-Game
A Z-game is the lowest-stake game in a card room, as opposed to an A-game, which is the best or highest game. It is the smallest game available.
The simple explanation
If you want to play for very low stakes, the Z-game is the table for you. Larger games run on other tables. In some card rooms, the Z-game is the one that has the cheapest limits.
A closer look
The expression comes from the letters of the alphabet: A for the best and Z for the worst. It is also used to describe the quality of a player's game, since your 'A-game' is your best play. A Z-game for a room is its smallest game, where beginners are welcome. The term is informal and not used in all rooms.
A practical example
A card room has $20/$40 as its A-game and $1/$2 as its Z-game.
Full explanation
A Z-game is the lowest-stake game in a card room, as opposed to an A-game, which is the best or highest game. It is the smallest game available.
A Z-game is the smallest game in the room.
It is the opposite of an A-game.
Beginners often start there.
The term is informal.
Alternative spelling: Z Game