ShareCheck is one of the most fundamental actions in poker, allowing players to remain in the hand without adding to the pot. This move helps preserve a player's right to compete for the pot while requiring no immediate investment. In live games, checking is often accompanied by a tap of the fingers on the table, whereas in online poker, it’s represented by clicking the "check" button.
Checking is only allowed when no bets have been placed in the current betting round. We interviewed Finnish poker player and writer Matti Slotte, author of kasinobonus.io and got expert comments. If an opponent has already bet, players must choose between calling, raising, or folding.
When and Why to Check?
The decision to check depends on the stage of the hand:
• Pre-flop. Only the player in the big blind can check if no one has raised.
• Post-flop. Players can check if no bets have been placed before them or if they are the first to act.
Players use checking for various strategic purposes:
• To see the next card for free. Particularly useful with a weak hand that might improve.
• To disguise hand strength. Checking with a strong hand can mislead opponents into thinking you are weak.
• To gather information. Waiting for opponents to act provides insights into their likely hand strength.
• To set up a bluff. Checking can be part of a larger strategy, laying the groundwork for future aggressive moves.
The Nuances of Checking
While checking seems straightforward, it requires a solid understanding of poker dynamics. For example, checking with a strong hand can deceive opponents into underestimating your position.
As poker legend Doyle Brunson famously said:
"Checking is not inaction. It is yet another opportunity to make your opponent make a mistake."
Gambling expert Mark Dash believes it is important to maintain your bank and stay calm when playing poker.
Checking works effectively with both strong and weak hands. A check with the nuts can entice opponents to bet, increasing the pot. On the other hand, checking with a weak hand might let you see another card without additional cost.
Popular Checking Strategies
Check-Raise
A deceptive play where a player first checks, then raises in response to a bet. This strategy is effective for:
•Forcing marginal hands out of the pot.
• Building the pot with a strong hand.
• Confusing opponents by mixing signals.
Note. Check-raising works best against aggressive opponents who are likely to bet.
Check Behind
When in position and all opponents have checked, checking behind allows players to control the pot or see the next card for free.
Reasons to check behind include:
• Holding a medium-strength hand to avoid inflating the pot.
• Playing a draw without additional risk.
• Slow-playing a strong hand to hide its true value.
Check-Fold
A simple yet strategic move where a player checks but is ready to fold if an opponent bets. This approach is common in early stages of a game when pot investments are minimal, and the player's hand is weak.
Checking in Live and Online Poker
In live poker, checking is more than just a move; it’s part of the psychological game. A tap on the table can signal uncertainty or create a false impression of weakness.
In online poker, the physical cues disappear, but the strategic importance of checking remains. At lower stakes, where players are more cautious, checking can help conserve chips and gather valuable information about opponents.
Conclusion
The mastery of checking can significantly impact your poker success.
As WSOP champion John Juanda once observed:
"The true professional is the one who can make an opponent err by simply checking."
Poker is a game of subtleties, and mastering the art of checking is essential for success. With thoughtful application, even this seemingly simple move can turn the tide in your favor.
