Poker Glossary
Poker glossary

Kibitzer

A kibitzer is a spectator who watches a game and comments on it, usually without being asked.

The simple explanation

At a poker table, a kibitzer is a person who stands or sits near the game and talks about the hands. Players often find this annoying, especially when the kibitzer sees someone's cards.

A closer look

Rooms have rules to protect games from kibitzers. A person who sees a player's cards should not speak about them, because it can give information to an opponent or even help cheating. Many cardrooms limit where spectators can stand. In friendly home games, a kibitzer is often welcome, but a quiet one is better.

A practical example

A friend of one of the players stands behind his chair and comments on every pot, so the dealer asks him to step back.

Full explanation

A kibitzer is a spectator who watches a game and comments on it, usually without being asked.

A kibitzer is a spectator who comments on the game.

He usually gives opinions that nobody asked for.

A spectator should not reveal anybody’s cards.

Rooms may restrict where spectators stand.

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