In this section of the online poker quick reference guide you will find a description of the common betting terms used in the game of poker. This will give you a basic understanding of what is happening when your fellow players say “fold” or “check” when placing poker bets.

Knowing the poker hand values and the poker chip values is important but you cannot forget about the betting terms used when placing poker bets. This section will assist you when placing that all important poker bet whether you are online gambling, at the casino or with your buddies.

Ante

The amount of money required to play in each hand. This amount is placed into the pot before the hand is dealt.

Bet

A bet is the amount of money a player is wagering that their hand is the best hand.

Call

Matching the amount of money that a previous player has bet for this round.

Raise

To increase the amount by at least the same amount that was previously bet.

Fold

A fold occurs when you do not want to match the bet made. When you fold you are no longer involved in the current hand.

Check

A check allows you to enter a bet of zero. When you check you retain the right to call or raise any bet made after your turn. You cannot Check after a bet has been made prior to your turn.

Checkraise

You would use a checkraise when you have a very powerful hand. This allows you to check and then raise if a bet is made after you. You can trap an opponent for a few bets with this.

Blind Bet

This is a forced bet that all players will have to play. The Blind Bet is played by the player two seats to the right of the dealer. The player who plays the Blind Bet still has the rights to raise when play gets back around to them.

Armed with these betting terms you should be able to follow a poker game on TV and feel more comfortable when playing video poker online.