Bet Basics
When betting in any version of poker, the same basic terminology and options are always available. It is essential to understand these terms properly in order to play the game. This page contains easy to understand explanations of all the necessary terms allowing you to play with confidence.
The Language of Betting in Poker:
Fold
This is if you choose not to match the bet in the pot and give up your hand. The cards are discarded and you are out of the current round. Folding is advisable if you are dealt a bad hand, such as a one and a three, and think that you will lose the hand. In online poker you Fold by clicking the Fold button in the software.
Call
This is when you match the bet in front of you, i.e. you bet an equal amount to the previous bet. This is the minimum requirement to stay in the game, your other options are to raise the bet or fold. In online poker to Call you click on the Call button.
Check
This is when you pass to the next player without placing a bet. This is possible if it is your turn to bet and there has been no bet to you. However, if there has been then you have to call, raise or fold.
Bet
This is placing a bet, in online poker it is done by clicking on a chip amount representing the amount you wish to bet. The money you bet goes into the pot. After you have done this the other players must Call your bet, Raise you or fold.
Raise
This is when you place a bet which is larger than the previous bet. If you do this the previous better is forced to either call the difference (i.e. match your bet) or fold. In online poker you raise by clicking on the chip values which represent the amount you wish to increase your bet by.
