Ace in the Hole: Put on Your Poker Face

ace in the hole, used by many people who would never think of going near a poker table. An ace in the hole is an argument, plan or thing kept hidden until needed.  It is used especially when it can turn failure into success.

stacked the deck. He has fixed the cards so that he will get higher cards. He will win and you will lose.

dealing off the bottom, now means cheating in business, as well as in cards. And when someone tells you that the cards are stacked against you, he is saying you do not have a chance to succeed.

poker face is important. A poker face never shows any emotion, never expresses either good or bad feelings. No one can learn -- by looking at your face -- if your cards are good or bad.

bluffing.  Bluffing is trying to trick a person into believing something about you that is not true.

hold your cards close to your vest. You hold your cards close to you so no one can see what you have. In everyday speech, holding your cards close to your vest means not letting other know what you are doing or thinking. You are keeping you plans secret.