A poker player who approaches the game in a workmanlike fashion is known as a grinder. A grinder also refers to a style of play characterized by patience, toughness, and an imperviousness to bad beats and cold cards. Grinders are not in it for the entertainment or excitement, rather they treat poker as a job first and foremost.
The grinder's primary concern is to put in the hours and to ensure that his hourly rate is met or exceeded. Michael Mizrachi, arguably one of the best young poker players in the world today, is known as "The Grinder". He earned his nickname by journeying relentlessly across the country in search of lucrative poker games, although his persona at the table is definitely not that of a rock or a stoic grinder.
The grinder is not in it to make the highlight reel with one bold play, and true grinders tend to be somewhat averse to risk. Their play is solid, a little by the book, but generally they get the job done and refuse to stand up from the table until that point is reached.
