Poker glossary · Betting
What does “check” mean in poker?
Definition
Check: To check is to pass the action to the next player without betting, which is only allowed when nobody has bet on the current round.
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Checking keeps the pot small and lets you see the next card for free if everyone else checks too. It can also be a trap if you plan to check-raise. Before the flop, the big blind can check if nobody has raised. Once someone bets, checking is no longer an option: you must call, raise or fold.
Example: On a flop of 9♣ 6♦ 2♥ you are first to act with A♠ 3♠, and you check to see what the preflop raiser does.
Related terms
- Check-raiseChecking, then raising after an opponent bets in the same round.
- CallTo call is to match the current bet or raise, putting in just enough chips to stay in the hand without raising.
- Slow-playSlow-playing is checking or calling with a very strong hand to hide its strength and encourage opponents to bet or catch up.