Guide 105 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “Table stakes”
A poker term for "the minimum to play."
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
Useful once; worn now. "Baseline," "minimum," and "non-negotiable" all say the same without the poker metaphor, and land better with non-English readers.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
Encryption at rest is table stakes for enterprise deals.
After
Encryption at rest is the baseline for enterprise deals.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01Baseline neutral
minimum expected
Baseline for enterprise.
- 02Minimum neutral
plain
The minimum for enterprise.
- 03Non-negotiable neutral
must-have for the deal
Non-negotiable for enterprise.
- 04Baseline requirement formal
procurement and RFP context
A baseline requirement across the bid.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
If readers might not play poker, don't ante up with poker words.