Poker Betting: Call
In poker, a call is a bet that matches a previous bet or raise another player has made. For example, person A bets $50; person B saying “I’ll call” means he or she will match that $50 bet.
Failure to call (or raise) the bet results in a fold and a loss for that round. Therefore, say you bet $50, and nobody at the table calls your bet, you win the hand. Sometimes calling a bet is referred to as: “Seeing a bet” (as in “I’ll see your $50”… although when this phrase is used, it’s almost always followed by “and I’ll raise you…” more on this below.)
Now, while calling is generally the same across the board (matching a bet), there are different names given to different calling situations.
A “Crying Call” is a call made with little expectation of winning. This can be use when the player suspects that he or she does not have the best hand, but still wants to hang on for another round.
An “Over Call” is calling a bet after another player called. In order to win by overcalling, you need to beat all the players who have called before you. This usually means you need to have a stronger hand than everyone as opposed to just needed a hand to beat the original bettor. A over call is very easy to accidently perform in poker games with a large number of players.
Although you have probably heard the term “Cold Calling” before, we can assure you that in this case, it does not mean sales or annoying telemarketers – in poker terms, it means to call when faced with more than one bet in a single action. An example would be having Sal the Shark open for $100, Big Tony raises by $50, and you cold call the $150.00. In this case, it might also help to have a tough-sounding nickname as well (“Knuckles” works well here.)
If a player has a strong hand and calls instead of raising, that person is doing a “Smooth Call” and it’s considered a form of slow play. For example, if Big Tony had three Queens, he might be expected to raise since three Queens is usually considered a good hand. If he doesn’t raise, then he’s smooth calling. This is sometimes considered to be a weak or passive betting approach, but can also be used to lull other players into thinking your position is weak, setting them up for a big raise later.
One final aspect to keep in mind is to always consider the word “call” a binding declaration. If you call you are expected to follow through with the action. “String Raising” a call by saying: “I’ll call and raise you $500.00” is usually not allowed. By mentioning your desire to call, you’ve called the bet and nothing more even though you mentioned another action past your desire to call.
Keep these calling tips in mind and you’ll be an ace in no time flat.
