Betting Structure and Types of Bets

Knowing how to bet in poker is an essential skill needed by players at any level. A player’s poker betting expertise (or lack there of) can make or break a crucial hand. Here’s some basic information about betting in poker that may help you become a better player.

There are several types of poker bets. Each has its own characteristics and strategy.

Poker ante bet: While not strictly a poker bet, the ante occurs before the deal. Each player contributes an equal amount to the pot. The purpose of the ante is to discourage players from folding. Since a player has a stake (ante) in the pot, he may be more willing to stay in the game.

Poker open bet: An open bet is the first bet made in the first round of betting. Open bet requirements can vary according to the type of poker game being played. In addition, a player might be required to have certain cards in his hand in order to open the betting. Hence the familiar phrase, “jacks or better to open.” This means a player cannot open unless he holds a pair of jacks or a higher-ranking hand.

Poker check: A check is not a bet at all. During a betting round, a player can decline to bet by checking. This means that although he doesn’t want to bet, he wishes to stay in the game. Put another way, when a player checks, he relinquishes his right to start the betting, but retains the right to continue playing the hand. Equivalent to a pass.

Poker raise bet: A raise bet means that a player increases the amount other players must bet to stay in the game. For example, if the current bet is $2.00, a player can raise by betting $3.00, forcing subsequent players to bet $3.00

Poker call: To match a bet or a raise. In the raise example above, players who have already bet $2.00 must call, or match the amount of the raise. The word “see” is used interchangeably with the word “call.” If no other players call a bet, the bettor wins the pot.

Poker all-in bet: If a player cannot match the current bet but wishes to call, he can bet his entire stake by declaring that he’s “all in.” This tactic allows the player to stay in the game, but he cannot win more than the original amount of his stake.