Pre-action buttons in online poker: fold, check and call in advance
Pre-action buttons let you choose your action before it’s your turn: for example “Fold”, “Check/Fold”, “Check” or “Call any”. When the action reaches you, the software acts instantly. They’re useful for speed, especially when multi-tabling, but can cost you money if used carelessly. The exact buttons vary by room.
Common pre-action buttons
Section titled “Common pre-action buttons”| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fold / Check/Fold | Checks if possible, otherwise folds |
| Check | Checks if nobody bets; cancels if someone does |
| Call (a specific amount) | Calls that amount; cancels if the bet changes |
| Call any | Calls any bet, even an all in |
When they help
Section titled “When they help”- Folding trash hands preflop quickly.
- Check/folding when you’ve missed and won’t continue.
- Keeping up with several tables without timing out.
When they hurt
Section titled “When they hurt”- “Call any” is dangerous: someone can raise all in and you’ll call automatically. Avoid it.
- Instant actions leak information: an instant check after a long pattern of thinking can show you’re weak. Attentive players notice. See online poker tells.
- Mis-clicks: a pre-selected fold can throw away a hand you’d want to play if the action changed.
Simple rules
Section titled “Simple rules”- Use Fold for hands you’d fold to anything.
- Use Check/Fold only when you’re sure you won’t continue.
- Never use “Call any”.
- For any real decision, wait for your turn and think.
See also online poker etiquette.
What are pre-action buttons in poker?
Section titled “What are pre-action buttons in poker?”Buttons that let you choose fold, check or call before it’s your turn so the software acts instantly.
Should I use the call any button?
Section titled “Should I use the call any button?”No. It can call an all-in raise automatically.
Can pre-action buttons give away information?
Section titled “Can pre-action buttons give away information?”Yes. Instant checks or folds can reveal a weak hand to attentive players.
When are pre-action buttons useful?
Section titled “When are pre-action buttons useful?”For folding clearly bad hands and when multi-tabling, to avoid timing out.