Poker term
Check
Passing the action to the next player without betting, which is only allowed if nobody has bet yet on that round. If everyone checks, the next card is dealt for free.
Frequently asked questions
What does check mean in poker?
To pass the action to the next player without putting in chips, keeping your hand. You can only check when no one has bet on the current street — once there is a bet, your choices are call, raise or fold.
How do you check at a live table?
Tap the table with your hand, or say 'check'. Either is binding, and tapping is the convention precisely because it cannot be mistaken for anything else.
Does checking mean a weak hand?
No. Checking a strong hand — to trap, to control the pot size, or because the board gives opponents nothing to call with — is standard. Players who only check when weak are easy to play against.