This article is about the common terms, rules, and procedures of betting in poker only. For the strategic impact of 2️⃣ betting, see poker strategy
In the game of poker, the play largely centers on the act of betting, and as such, 2️⃣ a protocol has been developed to speed up play, lessen confusion, and increase security while playing. Different games are played 2️⃣ using different types of bets, and small variations in etiquette exist between cardrooms, but for the most part the following 2️⃣ rules and protocol are observed by the majority of poker players.
Procedure [ edit ]
Players in a poker game act in 2️⃣ turn, in clockwise rotation (acting out of turn can negatively affect other players). When it is a player's turn to 2️⃣ act, the first verbal declaration or action they take binds them to their choice of action; this rule prevents a 2️⃣ player from changing their action after seeing how other players react to their initial action.[1]
Until the first bet is made 2️⃣ each player in turn may "check", which is to not place a bet, or "open", which is to make the 2️⃣ first bet. After the first bet each player may "fold", which is to drop out of the hand losing any 2️⃣ bets they have already made; "call", which is to match the highest bet so far made; or "raise", which is 2️⃣ to increase the previous high bet.[1]