Poker Betting: Check
In poker, passing up the right to bet while retaining the right to continue in the hand is known as checking or performing a check. If the first player in a betting round doesn’t wish to bet for whatever reason, he or she will check. A check cannot be performed once a bet is placed in a round – once that happens, everyone must call of raise. So in essence, the first player in a round always has the option to check. IF he or she checks, THEN the second player has the option to check, and so on.
Checking is usually signified with point to the next player, a tap to the table with a fist, knuckles, or their open hand. If you see someone refrain from putting in chips, money, or items of value into a pot, then you’ve probably seen someone checking. If all the players choose to check, the round is over. This is referred to as a free round or free card.
Checking is a viable strategy, as it puts the betting onus on someone else, allowing the person who checked to begin to guess who has a good hand, and who doesn’t. This is because usually, people with a good hand will not check, and will instead bet (however, this is not always the case.)
A player may choose to perform a checking strategy known as a “Check-Raise” to potentially increase their winnings. This is considered to be unethical and unfair to other players by some. Other players consider it an acceptable strategy. Both sides are passionate about the topic, and it remains a controversial topic with many players. Despite this, many casinos and poker houses will allow this strategy to be used. If possible, find out the table or house rules toward check-raising before sitting down to play. Doing so will save you a lot of trouble. Players who excessively check-raise are referred to as “Check Raisers” (publicly that is… privately, they are called much worse.)In a nutshell, Check-Raising means you have a strong hand, but check early in a round with the hope that someone else will bet, which you will then raise. The intention is to get more money into the pot (two bets as opposed to just one).
Checking-Blind means to perform a check before looking at the next available card. This is also known as a “Check in the Dark.” This is common in Texas Hold ‘em and in Omaha. A player may check-blind in hopes of getting a free round of betting or to see a free card.
With checking, remember to play ethically and within the acceptable unwritten rules of your table or venue. For example, ask about check-raises. If you hear groans and the like, then don’t do it.
