Poker Glossary
Poker glossary

Setup

A setup is a pair of suited decks, each with a different colored back, that replaces the decks in play. Card rooms use two decks to keep the game fast: one is shuffled while the other is dealt.

The simple explanation

The dealer uses one deck while the other is being shuffled. When a new set is called for, the room brings a fresh setup.

A closer look

The two decks have different back colors, so they cannot be mixed up. Changing the decks is a way to keep the game fair, and players may ask for a new setup. A new setup is also called for when a deck is damaged or marked.

A practical example

A player asks for a new setup, and the dealer brings two new decks with red and blue backs.

Full explanation

A setup is a pair of suited decks, each with a different colored back, that replaces the decks in play. Card rooms use two decks to keep the game fast: one is shuffled while the other is dealt.

A setup is two new decks with different back colors.

It replaces the decks in play.

It keeps the game fair.

Players can ask for it.

Alternative spelling: set-up, set up

Explore this topic