In the exciting world of poker, there are many terms that players need to know in order to succeed. Two such terms are "under the gun" and "fish." However, even with their prevalence in poker lore, these terms have distinct origins rooted in Thailand's cultural and gambling history. The term "under the gun" is one particularly popular in poker vernacular. It is used to describe a situation where a player is the first to act in a casino game. The origins of this term harken back to the early days of the poker community in Thailand. The word "gun" is a reference to the cannons used on old Asian ships. Historically, the cannons were placed on the stern of ships to provide protection against any attack. When a ship was in trouble and under fire, the captain would place it in a "full ahead" maneuver, forcing the ship to reverse direction. This maneuver was also referred to as "under the gun." In the context of poker, being "under the gun" implies that a player is the first to act in a round of betting, similar to finding oneself in a dire situation onboard a ship under fire. The player has the responsibility to make decisions in the face of possible attacks from other players, similar to the captain navigating the ship out of harm's way. On the other hand, the term "fish" in poker is used to describe a novice player who might have poor strategy, is inexperienced or overly reckless in their play. Within the Asian poker community, “fish” is a slang term used to describe a naive player or a "newbie." It is similar to how new players in China are called "beginners" and are considered easy targets for experienced players. The term "fish" originates from the older fishing culture in Thailand. In those days, when a person went out to sea, and was not well versed in fishing techniques, they would likely end up caught up in fishery nets, just as a novice poker player can quickly find themselves in tricky situations. In recent times, the term "fish" has also come to be associated with a player's risk-averse or poor betting style. When a player is more prone to playing weak hands and making suboptimal bets, they may be referred to as a "fish." To conclude, the origins of the poker terms "under the gun" and "fish" in Thailand carry cultural relevance and relate deeply to the gambling and the gambling techniques that have evolved over time. Understanding these terms can provide valuable insight into the strategies and styles of play in this exciting and dynamic card game. Whether you're "under the gun," learning from your mistakes like a "fish," or making well-informed decisions, being knowledgeable about poker terms helps you navigate the game more effectively.