Pokeriad / Learn / Check, call, raise, fold
Check, call, raise, fold: what they mean
Updated November 2026
On your turn in poker you can do one of five things. If nobody has bet you can check or bet. If somebody has bet you can call, raise or fold.
Nobody has bet
Somebody has bet
What does check mean?
Passing the action to the next player without betting. You can only do it when nobody has bet on this round. Tap the table or say "check".
Checking costs nothing, so you should never fold when you could check.
When you can check
What does call mean?
Matching the bet in front of you, so you stay in the hand. If he bets $10 and you call, you put in $10. If you have less than that, you can still call for what you have left.
He bets $10
What does raise mean?
Making it bigger than the current bet. In no-limit, a raise has to add at least as much as the last bet or raise. If he bets $10, the smallest raise is to $20.
Say "raise" before you put your chips in, or say the amount. That way nobody can call it a string bet.
Smallest raise
What does fold mean?
Giving up your hand. You throw your cards away face down and you're out until the next hand. Whatever you already put in stays in the pot.
When you fold
What should you say at the table?
- Say it out loud"Call", "raise to 20" or "check" are binding when you say them on your turn.
- Wait your turnActing early gives away your hand and can be held against you.
- Put chips in onceOne motion, or say your amount first. Going back for more is a string bet.
- Fold face downShowing your cards while others are still playing isn't fair to them.
Which one should you do?
If your hand is probably best, bet or raise so worse hands pay you. If it's probably behind and the price is poor, fold. Calling is for the hands in between, and a draw with the right price is the classic reason.
Pot odds tells you when the price is right.
A simple guide
Do you know what you can do?
Twelve spots in three rounds.
Questions players ask
What's the difference between check and fold?
Check keeps you in the hand for free. Fold gives up your hand.
Can I check after someone has bet?
No. You have to call, raise or fold.
What does "all-in" mean?
You've bet every chip you have. Nobody can make you put in more.
Know someone about to play their first hand?
Send them this page.