In the game of poker, the term cards speak ("for themselves") is used in two contexts:

First, it is used to describe a High-low split game without a declaration. That is, in a cards speak game, players all reveal their hands at the showdown, and whoever has the highest hand wins the high half of the pot and whoever has the lowest hand wins the low half.

The other context is as a house rule in casino poker rooms. "Cards speak" means that any verbal declaration as to the content of a player