Knock
A knock is the same as a check: a player decides not to bet and passes the action to the next player. It can be done only if no one has bet in the current round.
The simple explanation
At many tables, players tap the table with a hand or knuckle to check. That tap is the knock.
A closer look
A knock is a clear sign for the dealer. In most rooms, a tap on the table counts as a check, and you cannot take it back. Use it only when there is no bet to call. If there is a bet, a knock is not a valid action, and the dealer will ask you to call, raise or fold.
A practical example
There is no bet on the turn, and the first player knocks on the table to check.
Full explanation
A knock is the same as a check: a player decides not to bet and passes the action to the next player. It can be done only if no one has bet in the current round.
A knock is a check.
Players often tap the table.
It is allowed only when no one has bet.
A tap usually counts as a check.
A check
No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake
The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.
Read the example transcript
Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).
- Preflop · Pot: 3 chips
The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of hearts (Ah)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
- Player B BB KKing of clubs (Kc)JJack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 8 chips
Player A raises to 6 before the flop.
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of hearts (Ah)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B BB KKing of clubs (Kc)JJack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 12 chips
Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of hearts (Ah)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B BB KKing of clubs (Kc)JJack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Flop · Pot: 12 chips
The flop is dealt. Player B acts first.
Board: 99 of diamonds (9d)55 of spades (5s)22 of hearts (2h)
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of hearts (Ah)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Player B BB KKing of clubs (Kc)JJack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Flop · Pot: 12 chips
Player B has no bet to face, so he checks, keeping the option to call or raise later.
Board: 99 of diamonds (9d)55 of spades (5s)22 of hearts (2h)
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of hearts (Ah)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Player B BB KKing of clubs (Kc)JJack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Flop · Pot: 12 chips
Player A checks too. Both players have checked, so the round ends without any chips added.
Board: 99 of diamonds (9d)55 of spades (5s)22 of hearts (2h)
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of hearts (Ah)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Player B BB KKing of clubs (Kc)JJack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.