Check in Poker

Ever heard someone say “check” in a live poker game? No, they are not asking to check another player’s cards, nor are they cornering you like one would do in chess.

Checking Definition

In poker, checking essentially means passing your turn. 

For example, the betting round starts with you after the preflop big blind. You may not have a strong hand, but instead of folding, you want to wait to see the turn and river cards (4th and 5th community cards that are laid on the table). So, in order to protect your chips, you can call “check” and pass the option to bet in that particular round. This lets you remain in the game without risking money.

This is essentially a free pass. After you check, the action moves to the next player, who also now has the option to check and decline to put any chips in the pot. However, there are some rules for checking:

• If you are the first player to act in the round, you have the option to check.
• If someone has raised or called before you, then you cannot check.
• If you’re not the first, but everyone ahead of you has checked, then you are also allowed to check.
• You cannot check if you’re the big blind preflop (preflop is the round before the first three community cards are revealed.)

Why Do Players Check?

Checking is not a sign of weakness at the table. Sometimes, it can give you crucial information in the game. You can consider checking in the following scenarios.

1. To control the pot

Let’s say you have pocket 10s. It’s a decent hand but not amazing. Straights and flushes rank higher. So, you should think about not inflating the pot just yet. Checking will keep your bankroll manageable.

2. To see how opponents react

Use it to gather intel on other players. For example, if you check and someone bets aggressively, it might mean they have a strong hand (or they’re bluffing). If you’re sitting in an early position, use checking to your advantage. It gives you the option to observe how other players react to their hands. Aggressive players will bet more often, and cautious players will follow you and check.

3. To trap other players

Let’s say you landed a straight in the flop round (when the first three community cards are revealed). It’s a strong hand, but you need to be careful how you play it. If you raise, it might scare off your opponents. They might choose to fold, and you’ll be left with a very small pot. So, instead, use the checking move as a lure to keep them in the game. Checking is considered a passive move, so your opponent might think you are weak. If they take the bait and bet, you can then raise on the next round or call and trap them further.

4. To bluff

Checking can be used to bluff. If most players on the table are showing weakness by checking, then use it to your advantage. Raise the bet on the next streets, which might force the conservative players to fold.

5. To wait it out

Checking is the safest play possible because you get to stay in the round without wagering any chips. If you have a weak hand, you can check and hope your hand improves on the next card. 

Check, Bet, or Fold: What to Choose?

The decision to check, bet, or fold comes down to three things:

• Your hand: Do you have a strong hand? Or if the hand is weak/marginal, are you experienced enough to turn it to your advantage? If yes, bet or raise with confidence. If you’re unsure, then check.
• Your position: Checking is advantageous if you’re first to act, as it gives you a free pass to observe players in the round. If you’re last to act, you already have the information. If everyone has checked to you, take a stab at the pot by raising.
• Your chips: If you’re left with very few chips, take the option to check wherever possible to save your bankroll for later streets.

What Not to Do When Checking

• Don’t check too often, or you might get labelled as a weak player. Experienced players will pick up on that and exploit it.
• Mix up checking both strong and weak hands so you don’t end up becoming predictable.
• Checking slows down the game and makes it boring. So, use this strategy sparingly.