There are many important poker actions that players can take during a hand, including checking, calling, raising, and folding. Each has a different meaning and can affect the pace and outcome of the game in different ways. In this article, we’ll cover the definitions of these important poker terms so you can master them and improve your in-game performance.
When a player calls in poker, they place chips into the pot that match an opponent’s bet amount. This action can be taken verbally or with a simple physical push of the chips into the pot. Once a player has placed a call into the pot, they may not change their mind and retrieve the chips, as this would constitute a string bet, which is against the rules of most casinos.
A player may also check in poker by tapping the table with their fist or knuckles, an open hand, or their index finger(s). Checking allows players to keep their cards and pass the action to the next player without placing any additional money into the pot. This is a very common strategy when holding a strong hand and attempting to draw other cards to complete straights or flushes.
To raise in poker, a player must put chips into the pot that are at least twice as large as the previous bettor’s bet amount. The raiser can then deal with calls and re-raises from other players. Typically, players will only raise when they have a strong hand or are trying to steal the pot with a well-timed bluff.
Players who are attempting to slow play a weak hand with the intention of bluffing on a later betting round are often referred to as “crying callers.” This type of calling is a good way to prevent an opponent from raising when they hold a strong hand and can help you win a big pot.
Players may also call a bet when they have a weak hand but suspect that their opponent is bluffing, which is called a hero call. This is a great way to maximize your profits in the hand, and can be especially effective when you have pocket aces or a similar high-value hand on the flop. This type of calling is also known as smooth or flat calling and is a type of slow play.
