Nit

A nit is one of the tightest player types at the table. They play very few hands, almost never bluff, and tend to put their chips in only when they hold something strong like a big pair or the top of their range. Because their style is so cautious, you can usually trust that a nit's big bet means a big hand.

You'll hear the word when someone makes a fold that looks overly safe, or when a player has gone a long stretch without entering a pot. It's often used half-jokingly, but it points to a real, readable pattern: this person avoids tough spots and prefers near-certainty before committing chips. It sits at the opposite end of the spectrum from a loose, splashy player.

For beginners, the useful takeaway is that nits are predictable, and predictable is exploitable. When a known nit raises or calls a big bet, give them credit and don't pay them off with a weak holding. You can also pick up small pots by betting when they show weakness, since they fold often. Playing somewhat tight yourself is fine while learning; just stay aware that being a total nit means you miss chances to win pots others give away.