Understanding Checking and Free Cards in Poker

Of the myriad Poker strategy and tactics that students of the game must learn, one of the most crucial is the use of checking, particularly on the turn or river, because it can totally change the outcome of the hand. If you want to be profitable in the game, it is essential that you know the benefits and potential pitfalls of free cards.

Checking, in simple terms, means allowing your opponent to see the turn or river without having to make a call. There are a number of reasons why players use this Poker strategy, some being more legitimate than others.

Among new Poker players, the reason is often purely financial; they think that it will save them some cash, which they will be able to use at the latter stages of the game. However, this tactic entails a lot of risks, simply because you could end up handing the other player on the table the game.

One area of the game where checking can be useful is when you are trying to gauge the strength of your Poker opponents. For instance, if you are in middle position, and unsure of the strength of your hand, you can check the turn and see what your opponent will do once he sees the card. Not only will you be able to determine if it helps him, but you will also know if your hand is augmented too, or if you should fold.

The use of the check and the free cards also comes into fore when trying to slow play, and this is where you will have to weigh in the risk factor carefully. Suppose you are holding a pair of Queens, and the flop gives you a set, but also hands out two clubs.

Adopting a slow playing Poker strategy, the player might check the turn and give his opponent a free card. This is done so he can try to extract more money, but what if the turn is also a club? If you opponent is holding suited clubs, you are beat. For this reason, you must learn how to read the other player first.

If you are checked to when you are in the blinds, the free card can be handy, but as shown, other factors have to be considered when you are in other game situations. A lot of Poker players are not aware of these basic facts about the checking and using free cards, but armed with this knowledge, you will have the upper hand when placed in one of these scenarios.