Poker actions explained: check, bet, call, raise and fold

On your turn in poker you can take one of five actions: check, bet, call, raise or fold. Which ones are available depends on whether anyone has bet before you in this betting round.

If nobody has bet yet

Action	What it means
Check	Pass the action without betting; you stay in the hand
Bet	Put chips in; others must call, raise or fold
Fold	Give up your cards (possible but unnecessary when you can check)

If someone has bet

Action	What it means
Call	Match the bet to stay in the hand
Raise	Increase the bet; others must match the new amount
Fold	Give up your cards and any chips you’ve put in

You can’t check after someone has bet.

All-in

Going all-in means putting all your chips in the pot. If an opponent has more chips, you can win only what you matched; the rest goes into a side pot. See side pots.

Minimum raise

In No-Limit Hold’em a raise must be at least the size of the previous bet or raise. Example: blinds 1/2, a player raises to 6 (a raise of 4). The next raise must be to at least 10. See bet sizing.

Act in turn

Action moves clockwise. Acting out of turn (especially live) can be binding and gives information to others. See poker etiquette.

Words live players use

“Check” or tapping the table.
“Call”, “Raise to 20”, “All-in”. Saying the amount clearly avoids disputes.
A single chip pushed forward without saying “raise” counts as a call. See casino poker room.

Next: learn the rules of Texas Hold’em step by step.

FAQ

What are the five actions in poker?

Check, bet, call, raise and fold.

Can you check after someone bets?

No. After a bet you can only call, raise or fold.

What is the minimum raise in No-Limit Hold’em?

At least the size of the previous bet or raise.

What does all-in mean?

Putting all your chips in the pot.