What Does Check-Call Mean in Poker?
Check-Call is a passive poker strategy where a player checks on their turn, then calls if another player bets during the same round.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Check-Call:
This term is commonly mentioned when a player is adopting a cautious approach, often to control the size of the pot or when they have a drawing hand.
In-Game Example:
You’re in a heads-up situation in a cash game. You have 89 on a flop of J52. You check, and your opponent bets. You decide to check-call, looking to see if you improve on the turn.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Use check-call when you have a marginal hand or a drawing hand that might improve on later streets.
- Common Mistake: Overusing check-call with strong hands when you could be extracting more value through betting or raising.
- Pro Tips: In online poker games, check-calling can disguise the strength of your hand, as your opponent might not expect a strong hand to check. Over the table, use it to read physical tells.
Alternative Names:
Trap-call, Flat-call.
FAQs:
Q: Is check-call a good strategy in aggressive games?
A: It can be effective in aggressive games to let opponents bet into you, but be cautious of being too passive.
