# What Does "Call" Mean in Poker?

In poker, one of the most basic actions a player can make is called a "call." It's a basic term that every poker player needs to know. To "call" means to match the current bet another player has made, keeping you in the hand and competing for the pot.

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**What Does Calling Mean in Poker?**

Calling is one of the four major choices that a player has when it's his turn. These options are:

**Check:** The action passes without a bet, and no bet has been made.

**Call**: You are matching the current bet.

**Raise:** You are increasing the amount of the current bet.

**Fold**: You withdraw from the hand and give up your chance to win the pot. Calling is only available when another player has made a bet. If you don't call, you fold, which means you are giving up your chance at the pot.

**Examples** of Calling in Poker Calling Preflop Most poker games, including Texas Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha, begin with preflop betting. Before cards are dealt, the small blind and big blind positions post mandatory bets.

**For example,** in a $1/$3 No-Limit Hold'em game, the small blind posts $1, and the big blind posts $3. The action begins with the player to the left of the big blind. This player can call the big blind by putting $3 in the pot. Raise the bet to a higher amount. Fold and sit out the hand. Assume that the first player calls the $3, and the next player also calls. If a player raises to $10, then all other players now must call $10, raise, or fold.

Postflop The hand after the pre-flop round progresses to the flop stage, and here again the active bet resets to zero. Here a player can now check if no one has **bet**; otherwise, there is the call, the raise, or the fold.

For example, imagine there are three players in a hand with $30 in the pot. The first player checks, the second bets $20, and the third player calls the $20. The action returns to the first player, who can call the $20, raise, or fold.

If all players call, the game proceeds to the next round of betting. If a player raises, the others must raise by the same amount to remain in the hand.

**Why Calling Is Important Calling?**

Lets you stay in the game and compete for the pot. If you don't call a bet or raise, you miss your chance to win. Many times at The Big Blind, one of the best [poker clubs San Antonio](https://thebigblindsa.com/), players will find themselves in such situations where knowing when to call can make or break your hand.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, practicing when and how to call is the way to improve your poker strategy. Come to [The Big Blind](https://thebigblindsa.com/) to play games, learn from great players, and improve your knowledge of this crucial poker move.