Check
A check is a term used to describe a bet of zero. This normally occurs when none of the players in the game have placed any bets of any sort to open the betting round. Players may choose to pass their turn to bet or in other words, call the existing betting amount of $0 by simply declaring “check”.
By using this term, the player basically wishes to say that s/he is not making any bets or raising the bets either. But despite not making the bet, the player does not wish to discard the cards that s/he has received in this hand. By checking, a player reserves the right to continue playing the game and betting or raising at a later stage.
In a game where blinds are in play, players cannot check the opening round as the blinds are considered as live bets and to stay in the game, these blinds are the minimum amounts that each player has to call. However, this is not considered as the first betting round although players may raise even at this stage. If no player has raised the betting amount, then the player who is playing as the big blind, has the option of raising the betting amount.
A betting round may be deemed over without any addition to the pot if all the players decide to check.
Players signify checking by either verbally speaking the word “check” or by simply tapping the table with the fist, knuckles, hand or fingers.
Forrige begrep: Check-raise, Neste begrep: Chip declare
