Poker is a game of strategy and skill, but it can be overwhelming for newcomers. In this article, we will delve into the basic terminology of poker, specifically covering checking, opening, raising, re-raising, and folding.

What is Checking?

In poker, checking is an action that allows a player to pass the action to the next player while keeping their cards. This gives them the option to raise, call, fold, or even check again later in the betting round. When you check, you do not have to put any money into the pot unless you are playing with a big blind and/or small blind. If the action is checked to a player in the blinds, they have the option to check or raise.

The universal sign for checking in poker is to tap the table with your hand.

What is Opening?

Opening is what happens when you start the round of betting in a poker hand. This can happen if the previous player has checked or if you are the first person to act. It's essential to remember that "raising" is not the correct term for opening; instead, use the terms "bet" or "open." Many players refer to this as an "open-raise."

When you open, you will subsequently face either a call, raise, or fold from the other players at the table.

What is Calling?

Calling is the action that matches the amount of money bet by another player. This is essentially calling a bet or a raise. If no one calls, the hand is over and the uncalled player wins. If the hand makes it to the last round of betting (the river), and Player A bets and Player B calls, then it goes to a showdown, where the best hand wins.

What is Raising?

Raising is when you increase an opening bet. After raising, you will face either a call, fold, or re-raise from other players in the hand. Raising is often associated with having a strong hand or attempting to win the pot with a well-timed bluff.

What is Re-Raising?

Re-raising is simply increasing a raise already made by an opponent. If there are three players in the hand and Player A opens, Player B can raise that bet. At this point, Player C or Player A can choose to re-raise when the betting action gets back on them. When faced with a re-raise, players have the options to call, fold, or re-raise again.

What is Folding?

Folding is when you end your participation in a hand by not placing any more bets into the pot. You can fold when it's your turn to act and you don't want to continue playing. Most poker players do lots of folding preflop. When you fold, you toss your cards face down towards the dealer, who will put them into the muck (a pile of folded cards).

###Mastering these basic poker actions – calling, checking, raising, re-raising, and folding – is crucial for any beginner or seasoned player. Understanding what each action means can help you make informed decisions at the table and improve your overall game. With this knowledge, you'll be better equipped to navigate the world of Texas hold'em and Omaha poker.

About the Author

Will Shillibier is the Managing Editor at PokerNews, based in the United Kingdom. He started working as a freelance live reporter in 2015 and joined the full-time staff in 2019. Will graduated from the University of Kent with a B.A. in German and holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.

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• new to poker
• poker actions
• poker betting
• folding
• raising
• calling