Checking in poker is when a player chooses to call a bet that is made by their opponent, when they are suspicious of the way their opponent is betting and believe that they are bluffing. There are also many situations when you can check in poker, such as after a big pot has been won.
Calling when a player suspects their opponent may be bluffing
When a player suspects that an opponent is bluffing, they may call. Bluffing in poker involves trying to convince an opponent that a hand is weak and thus, more likely to fold than it actually is. Using a series of bets, a bluffing player can influence the opponent’s decision. This can help a bluffing player win a pot.
While most bluffing players will bet too small, there are a few strategies to use when bluffing. A bluffing player should be consistent with their recent actions and bet sizes. They should also account for the odds of the pot. Increasing the amount of a bet or raising can make an opponent more likely to fold.
Another way to tell if an opponent is bluffing is to notice their physical reactions. Some bluffers look down on the stack, fidget, or even reach for a drink after making a bet.
Checking in the final betting round
The best way to play the game is to bet no more than your limit. The rule of thumb is to bet the amount of the smallest bet you have made in the past ten hands. While the odds of winning are slim, the odds of losing aren’t. If you’re betting the lion’s share of the pot, you’ll be playing for a long time before you hit the jackpot. Similarly, if you have a small blind, you may have to wait to get in the money. But, if you don’t mind squaring up for a long haul, you’ll soon be the king of the ring. After all, poker is a team sport. So, there’s no reason to let your teammate win the pot. With this in mind, you’ll want to be prepared for the onslaught of your opponents.
Checking after winning a big pot
If you win a big pot at the poker table, you need to check to make sure everyone has a chance to bet. This is because table stakes rules apply to winning a pot. For example, if you bet a quarter, and Charley bets a dime, Charley owes you something. When Charley does this, you should check to avoid being ripped off.
Another good way to check is to re-raise. When you re-raise, you’re taking an existing bet in the betting round and raising it, thus increasing it. If another player makes a raise, he’s assumed to have called. Sometimes players will even re-raise with a smaller bet. However, the player making the re-raise must announce his action. You can re-raise by either tapping the table or saying “check”.
The next time you win a big pot, remember to check. When you do, make sure to point out any mistakes.