Poker chat and slang: gg, nh, ty and other table abbreviations

Online poker tables have a chat box, and live players have their own table talk. Here are the abbreviations you’ll see most often — and how to use them without upsetting anyone.

Common chat abbreviations

Abbreviation	Meaning	When it’s used
gl	Good luck	Start of a session or tournament
gg	Good game	When someone is knocked out or leaves
nh	Nice hand	After someone wins a pot
vnh	Very nice hand	Same, stronger (sometimes sarcastic)
wp	Well played	After a good play
ty / thx	Thank you	Replying to nh or gl
ty4c	Thanks for calling	Usually teasing — avoid it
ship it	Give me the pot	Celebrating (keep it light)
gtg / brb	Got to go / be right back	Leaving the table

Also see the poker glossary for game terms.

Chat etiquette

Be friendly: “nh”, “gl” and “gg” are always fine.
Don’t criticise other players’ play (“how could you call that?”). Bad players are welcome at your table — and criticism makes them leave. See online poker etiquette.
Don’t discuss a hand while it’s in progress, even if you’ve folded.
No abuse: most rooms can mute or ban chat for insults.
Mute the chat if it distracts or tilts you. See tilt.

Live table talk

The same rules apply at a live table: be polite, don’t give advice during a hand, and never reveal your folded cards while others are still playing. See poker etiquette.

FAQ

What does gg mean in poker?

Good game, usually said when someone leaves or is knocked out.

What does nh mean in poker chat?

Nice hand, said after someone wins a pot.

Is it OK to criticise other players in chat?

No. It’s bad etiquette and makes recreational players leave.

Can I turn off the poker chat?

Yes. Most rooms let you mute chat, which helps if it distracts or tilts you.