If you're familiar with chess, you recognize that the concept of checking carries significant weight, but in poker, it's somewhat less impactful. poker .
Why? Let’s take a look.
So, What Is ‘Check’ in Poker
So, what exactly does the term check signify in the context of poker? Essentially, checking involves choosing not to place a bet when given an opportunity. It's a middle ground between passively folding and actively betting.
It’s akin to politely declining a drink when a server circulates with a tray full of champagne at an elegant gathering.
This action is cautious in nature, but it also leaves you the option to change your mind and place a bet later on.
When Can I Check in Poker
Having clarified 'What is check in poker?', let’s integrate this understanding into your gameplay. how to play poker lessons.
Checking can be viewed as betting zero, meaning that it isn’t possible if someone has already placed a bet on that round. For instance, if you’re in the big blind and the small blind bets $10 on the flop, you can’t check.
In such a scenario, your available actions would be to fold, raise, or call, because staying in the hand would cost you more than nothing.
Conversely, if the small blind decides to check, you then have the choice to check as well, since no bet awaits you to call. You could also opt to place a bet yourself if you wish. If every player checks, the focus shifts to the next round, where the dealer will turn up a new community card. poker board .
Most players are typically not able to check before the flop either. In this respect, the big blind serves like any other placed bet, compelling players either to match it or to raise if they wish to see the flop.
The only scenario in which a player can check pre-flop is when there hasn't been a raise. In such cases, the big blind can check (to see the flop) because they have already met the minimum requirement by posting their blind and they also hold the option to raise.
| TIP: Keep an eye out for players who incorrectly attempt to check, especially when confronted with a bet. This common mistake often signifies a player is inexperienced or not fully engaged, making them an easy target. |
How Do I Check in Live Poker
The action of checking is quite simple. As per the Tournament Directors Association, a check can be indicated by tapping the table or verbally stating your intent. Additionally, you may encounter various 'regional phrases' that players use for checks.
These 'regional' signals can take many forms.
- Certain players tap their fingers on the table a few times, while others might pat their arm if it's crossed or engage in more flamboyant gestures, like pointing to the player next to them or waving their hands around theatrically.
- Some go so far as to outstretch their arms before softly lowering them to the table in an attempt not to disturb the cards on the felt.
- Ultimately, clarity of your intentions is important, yet you'll witness an array of different gestures at the table. Sometimes, these gestures are accompanied by vocalizations, while other times they are not.
However, to prevent misunderstandings, it’s advisable to couple the gesture you choose to check with appropriate communication.
Checking out of turn represents another type of check in poker. This happens when a player opts to check before the action reaches them, such as a player sitting on the button checking on the flop ahead of the small blind. poker term ‘check’.
Checking Out of Turn
This act is typically unintentional, yet consistently checking out of turn can lead to penalties since it may be perceived as a form of cheating.
This behavior provides additional insights to players acting behind you.
Checking out of turn is also a binding action. Players who act out of sequence must check if no prior player has placed a bet.
The term check-back describes the action of checking after another player has already done so. You’ll often hear this referred to in discussions about post-flop scenarios when in position and deciding whether to bet or see another card.
What Is Checking Back
Players might mention, 'My opponent checked the flop, and I checked back'.
Misusing terminology can point to a less experienced player. If someone mistakenly refers to a check out-of-position as a 'check-back,' expect more errors from them, especially if they use terms like 'smooth call' or label Pocket Aces as 'bullets.'
Checking in the dark represents a typical strategy in live poker, where a player checks without examining the board first. Similar to checking out of turn, this type of check is binding, regardless of what card is subsequently revealed.
What is ‘Checking in the Dark\"
However, if another player decides to bet, they have the option to call or raise, but they must check if all other players do.
Checking in the dark is permitted only after the action has been completed and when a player will be first to act on the next round. This tactic offers no strategic advantage and is thus often counterproductive.
Players might resort to checking in the dark as a way of trying to appear sophisticated, express impatience (possibly stemming from tilt), or to confuse or outsmart their opponents.
While it may seem like a clever maneuver, seasoned players typically avoid checking in the dark. They usually assess how a new card impacts the board before opting to bet.
That said, some skilled players might occasionally choose to check in the dark if they are predetermined to check, regardless of what the next card reveals.
How to Incorporate Checking into Your Poker Strategy
Utilizing checking is an effective method for managing the size of the pot. It's particularly useful for keeping the pot small when you're in a position of strength.
Many players perceive checking as a sign of weakness, which allows you to disguise a strong hand and potentially coax aggressive opponents into making bluffs or overcommitting with mediocre hands.
While numerous players indulge in 'donk-leading' (betting into a player who was the last aggressor in prior rounds), most still tend to check when they are the first to act on the flop.
Players often make too many continuation bets after raising before the flop. By checking, you enable your opponent to make a bluff with hands they would otherwise fold if you had bet.
This strategy generally profits you more with a solid hand.
Strong or Weak - What Does Check Mean in Poker? poker hand , and they do not.
While players may choose to check with a strong hand to project an air of weakness, checking from a position of strength often gives off a weaker impression. Players holding significant hands typically want to build the pot and avoid giving their opponents a chance to draw out.
Historically, checking when out of position was thought to reflect weakness in poker. Proper table manners advised against check-raising, with some establishments outright forbidding it. To check without raising indicated a desire to maintain a smaller pot, which was perceived as a sign of weakness.
Strong or Weak? What Does Check Mean in Poker?
For instance, if a player opens the betting from the button and the big blind calls, then checks on a flop showing A73, that check may not appear weak, as most big blinds would likely check this flop regardless of their holdings.
In contrast, checking when out of position can seem much weaker across multiple betting rounds, particularly if your opponent checked back in the previous round. The passive approach of your opponent decreases the likelihood that they will bet, which may prompt you to start building the pot with a strong hand. poker combo .
Answering 'What does check mean in poker?' reveals a complex topic.
As with many elements of the game, while checking may be straightforward, executing it well can be challenging. This guide is intended to enhance your understanding of the check concept and bolster your performance in poker.
For a comprehensive overview of the various legal options available in poker, refer to the glossary entry on
Good luck!
Dan O’Callaghan is a seasoned poker professional who began his journey in online poker under the name danshreddies. He has amassed over $290K in online winnings. Actions .
