Why a Two is Called a “Deuce” in Poker

The term “deuce” is commonly used to describe a “two” in poker. The terms deuce and two are interchangeable, and you’ll arguably hear deuce more often.

For example, a pocket pair of twos is often called “pocket deuces” in Texas Hold’em.

Why is a two called a deuce in poker? Let’s take a look.

Origin of the Term “Deuce”

The origin of the term deuce as a substitute for two likely comes from either the German or French languages.

In German card games, the Deuce (spelled Daus in German) is the highest-ranking card. While German playing cards differ pretty drastically (at least visually) from the playing cards used in poker games, the German deuce represents a two. 

Much like the 2 of Diamonds always has two diamond symbols, the German Deuce always displays two of a given symbol. The term Daus is also used to describe a two in German dice games.

Another possible origin for “deuce” is the French word “deux” (which means two in French).

To be clear, this is what a “deuce” looks like in a traditional deck of poker cards:

If you’re playing Texas Hold’em and you look down at a pair of twos as your hole cards, you can also call that hand a pair of deuces or pocket deuces.

If you see another two appear on the flop, now you have a set of deuces (or a set of twos).

The next time you sit in on a poker game, listen closely and try to determine which name is used more for the card we’re discussing here – “two” or “deuce.”