Ratholing
Ratholing is taking chips or money off the table during a cash game. It is not allowed in most public card rooms and is bad etiquette in home games. It is also called going south.
The simple explanation
If you win a lot and quietly put some chips in your pocket, you are ratholing. The other players expect you to keep your chips in play.
A closer look
The rule protects other players, who have a right to win back what they lost. Some games have a 'no rathole' rule: if you leave, you must come back with the same amount. A player who wants to take money away should cash out and leave. Ratholing is also used for leaving and coming back with the minimum.
A practical example
A player wins $500 and quietly puts $300 in his pocket. The floor tells him to put it back.
Full explanation
Ratholing is taking chips or money off the table during a cash game. It is not allowed in most public card rooms and is bad etiquette in home games. It is also called going south.
Ratholing is taking chips off the table in a cash game.
It is also called going south.
Most rooms forbid it.
Cash out and leave instead.
Alternative spelling: rat-holing, rat holing