Muck
To discard your hand without revealing it.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is Muck?
Players commonly muck losing hands at showdown or fold hands during a betting round by placing them face down toward the dealer. The muck also refers to the pile of discarded cards itself. Once a hand touches the muck, it is dead and cannot be reinstated, even if a mistake was made.
Examples
Realizing he was beaten, he mucked his hand without showing it to the table.
The dealer accidentally swept a live hand into the muck, creating a dispute that required a floor ruling.
Strategy Tips
Always verify your cards are clearly out of harm's way before folding, since a hand pushed into the muck cannot be retrieved. Consider whether showing a bluff after mucking has value for future table image, though many top players muck consistently to withhold information. Be mindful of hand protection at all times to avoid an accidental muck of a live hand. Know your specific room's rules on showing mucked cards, as they vary by venue.