Poker Glossary
Poker glossary

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

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).

  1. 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 Ace of hearts (Ah)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB King of clubs (Kc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 before the flop.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB King of clubs (Kc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB King of clubs (Kc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
  4. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    The flop is dealt. Player B acts first.

    Board: 9 of diamonds (9d)5 of spades (5s)2 of hearts (2h)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB King of clubs (Kc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  5. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B has no bet to face, so he checks, keeping the option to call or raise later.

    Board: 9 of diamonds (9d)5 of spades (5s)2 of hearts (2h)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB King of clubs (Kc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  6. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player A checks too. Both players have checked, so the round ends without any chips added.

    Board: 9 of diamonds (9d)5 of spades (5s)2 of hearts (2h)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of hearts (Ah)Queen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB King of clubs (Kc)Jack of clubs (Jc) · Stack 194 · In this round 0

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

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