Check — Poker Definition

Why it matters

Checking keeps your hand live while allowing the next player to act. It can control pot size, induce bets, protect a checking range or simply reflect that betting has insufficient value.

Example

On the flop, the first player checks. No chips are added. The next player may also check or may make the first bet of the street.

Check versus call

You can check only when there is no bet to match. Calling requires matching an existing wager.

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