Betting concept
Check in Poker — What It Means and When to Use It
Check is a betting move. Here's exactly what it means, when it's right, and when to avoid it.
Quick answer
Check — Passing the action when no bet is pending.
In more detail
Checking is free. It’s the right move with strong hands you want to trap (rare), with weak hands looking to realise equity, and with marginal made hands that don’t want to bloat the pot.
Common questions
What does Check mean in poker?
Checking is free. It’s the right move with strong hands you want to trap (rare), with weak hands looking to realise equity, and with marginal made hands that don’t want to bloat the pot.
Related terms
New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.