As well as limits which may or may not be imposed there are a number of different types of betting action.

The basic bet is in fact no bet at all. Players are allowed not to place a bet. When this occurs it is called a check. If everyone checks, that particular round of betting finishes.

The ante bet is a bet placed before the game starts. Generally all players bet the same amount. When this happens, it ensures that a player who drops out of each the round (called folding) loses money. This gives the other players an incentive to continue playing.

Using an ante normally ensure players stay longer in the game as the increased pot at the beginning of each round is a strong financial incentive. Antes are common in stud poker and draw poker.

Another betting strategy is called the Blind bet. Like the ante this is a bet that is placed prior to the game starting. As each hand is dealt, the blind bet moves around the table, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.

A blind bet is so called because the player who places the bet does not know what his hand looks like yet. He is going into the game ‘blind’.

In game-play terms it forces the player to decide whether he thinks he has a good hand or not. It also forces the other players to make an appropriate response – call, raise or fold depending on what their own hands reveal.

Sep 03 2010