How Do You Call Cards in Poker?

In poker, the act of calling is to match the current bet made by another player. For example, if Player A bets $5 and Player B calls, then Player B has put $5 into the pot, matching the $5 bet made by Player A.

If no one else has bet in that round, the pot now contains $10 and the next card is dealt.

If someone else has already bet in that round, then to call is to match that bet. For example, if Player A bets $5, Player B raises to $10, and Player C calls, then Player C has put $10 into the pot, matching the $10 bet made by Player B.

The pot now contains $25 and the next card is dealt.

When it is a player’s turn to act and there has already been a bet made in that round, that player has three options: call, raise, or fold. Calling means to match the current bet; raising means to increase the current bet; folding means to give up on the hand and forfeit any chance of winning the pot.

PRO TIP:When calling in poker, it’s important to consider the context and the pot size. If the pot is large, you should be more inclined to call, as there will be more money to be won. If the pot is small, however, a fold may be a better play if you don’t have a strong hand. Additionally, consider how many opponents are in the hand and their betting patterns before making a call.

A player who calls or raises must put more money into the pot than was originally bet by the previous player; otherwise their action is void and they forfeit their right to act in that round. For example, if Player A bets $5 and Player B raises to $10, then when it is Player C’s turn to act they cannot simply call because they would only be putting $5 into the pot when there is already a bet of $10.

They would either have to raise or fold.

If all players except for one fold on any given round of betting, then the remaining player wins the pot without having to show their cards. This is called a “folded hand” or “won by default” and happens often enough in poker that it’s worth knowing about.

In summary: Calling is matching a bet; raising is increasing a bet; folding is giving up on a hand. A player must always put more money into the pot when calling or raising than was originally bet by the previous player.

The remaining player wins the pot if all other players fold.