Call

In poker, the term "call" refers to matching the current highest bet in the round. It's a way to stay in the hand without raising the stakes.

What is a Call in Poker?

A call in poker is a betting action where a player chooses to match the current highest bet in order to stay in the hand. This term is used in all variants of poker, whether you're playing online poker or in a live game, in both cash games and tournaments.

In poker, calling is a fundamental part of the game's strategy and betting systems. By calling, a player can stay in the hand without increasing the bet. This move can be used in various game situations and is a key aspect of poker tactics.

When to Call in Poker

Deciding when to call in poker can be a strategic decision based on several factors. These include the strength of your hand, the betting pattern of your opponents, and your position at the table.

A call is often made when a player believes they have a good chance of winning the hand, but don't want to risk raising the bet. It's a more cautious move that allows the player to stay in the game without making a more aggressive play. However, it can also be used when a player has a very strong hand, in order to conceal the strength of their hand and get further value on future streets. Alternatively, players with a weak hand like a draw, who might know they're behind, may choose to call to see if they hit their hand on later streets.

Example of a Call

Let's say you're playing a hand of Texas hold'em poker. The player before you bets $10.

You believe you have a strong hand, but you're not confident enough to raise. To stay in the hand, you decide to "call" by matching the current highest bet of $10. Your hand is not weak enough to fold as you have some equity and a realistic chance of winning, but you're not strong enough to raise to try get extra value.

"I'm not sure if I have the best hand, so I'll just call."
"He bet $50, and I think I can win, so I'm going to call."
"She's been bluffing all night, so I'm going to call her bet and see what she really has."

Can I call if I don't have a strong hand?

Yes, you can call with any hand. However, it's generally not a good strategy to call with a weak hand unless you're bluffing, drawing, or have a specific strategy in mind.

What's the difference between a call and a raise?

A call means you're matching the current highest bet to stay in the hand. A raise means you're increasing the bet.

Can I call in any betting round?

Yes, you can call in any betting round as long as there's a bet to match.

Is a call a passive move in poker?

Calling is considered a more passive move compared to raising or betting, as it doesn't put any additional pressure on your opponents.

What's the opposite of a call in poker?

The opposite of a call is a fold, where you decide not to match the highest bet and discard your hand, effectively exiting the current round.