Cut The Pot
To cut the pot is to take the house rake.
The simple explanation
Cutting the pot means taking the house's share. In a home game, the host might take a small amount from each pot to pay for supplies. The cut is a normal part of home games and casinos, but it should be announced.
A closer look
The cut can be a percentage or a flat amount. In a casino the cut is called the rake, and it reduces how much players win. Because the cut is paid from every pot, it adds up and affects what a winning player can earn. A player who thinks the cut is too big may choose a different table.
A practical example
A home game host takes a quarter from each pot over five dollars. That is cutting the pot.
Full explanation
To cut the pot is to take the house rake.
To cut the pot is to take the rake or vig from it. The cut is the house’s fee for running the game.
In a casino, the dealer takes the rake from the pot, usually as a percentage with a cap. In a home game, the host may take a small amount for chips, cards and snacks.
The cut reduces what players win. A game with a large cut is harder to beat. It is related to the collection and to the rake.