Whether you’re just starting out in poker or are a seasoned pro, knowing what a check is in poker is essential for your success. The term “check” in poker is used to indicate that you wish to pass the action on to the next player yet keep your cards. It’s also important to understand when you should check and how to use this action.
A check is a good move when you want to draw for free, are worried about being raised on your draw hand (especially if it’s a weaker one) or are trying to gather information about your opponent. Many players will also check to bluff into an aggressive opponent, which can be very effective when you’re in position and are confident that your opponent doesn’t have a strong hand.
The only time that you can’t make a check is when there has been a bet made in the betting round prior to your action. This is because you’re essentially letting your opponent know that you are holding a weak hand and that you intend to fold when he or she raises.
As a general rule, you should only check when there are two or more opponents in the hand and it is your turn to act. You can also “check-raise” your opponent, which is a good way to bluff into a strong hand and get paid if you’re on top of the board.
While raising on the flop is often seen as a good move, checking can actually be more profitable in the long run. The reason is that if you raise on the flop, your opponent will likely just call your bet and you’ll end up with the same amount of money in the pot as if you had checked.
There are a number of ways that you can signal to the dealer that you’re checking, including by saying the word “check”, tapping your chips on the table or making some other hand gesture. Some players also use more idiosyncratic signals, such as twirling their fingers or swiveling a finger around to point at the player on their left.
When you’re on the river and someone checks to you, it’s important not to check back. It’s better to bet as much as you can when you have a monster hand, such as a straight or a flush. Checking on the river with a big hand can cost you a lot of money, especially if your opponent calls your bet and then makes a monster on the turn or river. This is why it’s important to be able to read your opponents and figure out what kind of hands they’re holding when they’re checking. This will help you determine the best strategy for your next move.