Checking

[Seeker]

I downloaded Texas Hold'em for Xbox360 yesterday. I've been playing it a lot so I think ive learnt most of the rules. The bigest problem I have though is that I dont understand checking. it seems random when it comes up. Ive been trying to figure it out while palying but it seems random between Calling and Checking.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[vyni]

... it seems random when it comes up...

There's nothing random about it. You have 4 options in poker: bet, fold, call, or check. The check option is available when there's no bet to be called. Check is calling a $0.00 bet.

If nobody in play made a bet before the action came to you (in that stage of wagering), you have the option to check.

Another case is if you were the big blind: if the tabled folded/called around to you, you may check. If a player had raised the blind with a wager before your turn to act, you'll no longer have the option to check.

Another common is after the flop/turn/river: if you're first to act (position refered to as 'under the gun'), the check will be available.

[Seeker]

Thanks , thats helped.

It hurts my head though , thinking this much/ trying to figure it out.

[LeafsFan1122]

It's very simple once you understand it.

If no one has bet before you, you have the option to check, as a call is when someone bets an amount and you match it.

You can also check in the big blind if it has not been raised, because yo've already matched the bet going around.

[xhi]

You have 4 options in poker: bet, fold, call, or check.

Hmmmm...... What if I want to raise???

[wEbMaStEr]

Checking was one of the biggest sticking points when i was trying to teach some friends how to play earlier this year, they just couldn't seem to grasp it!

Another good one was when they would fold.... when there was no bet to call! check, check, check, fold... What??? lol, I am not a patient teacher

[Muck]

Checking was one of the biggest sticking points when i was trying to teach some friends how to play earlier this year, they just couldn't seem to grasp it!

DITO! :D What is it about checking?

Now days I sometimes don't even mention it at the start. I just teach them "Bet zero" and "Call zero" then get them to change later when they understand what it's a substitute for.