Call in Poker: A Complete Guide to Call Like an Expert

Before you hit the poker tables, you must familiarise yourself with the basic moves. Among them, a call is the most important.

It allows you to declare your intent and your betting decision.

What is a call in poker, and how does it work? When is the best time to call in a game?

Let’s explore.

What is Call in Poker?

A “call” in poker means you match the current bet made by another player during a betting round. By calling, you indicate you are willing to continue in the hand without raising the stakes.

Calling is a basic action in poker, along with folding and raising. It allows you to stay in the game and view the next card or reach a showdown.

You only commit chips matching the current bet.

Imagine you are playing Texas Hold’em. The player before you bets ₹10. To stay in the game, you must call by putting in ₹10 worth of chips.

You can fold and sit out for that hand if you don’t call.

Rules for “Call” in Poker

Calling in poker seems straightforward. However, a few rules govern the action.

Below are the essential ones.

Matching the Current Bet

When you call, you must match the exact amount of the active bet. If player A bets ₹20, you also need to bet ₹20 to call.

If multiple players have a bet, your call will match the highest bet on the table.

Acting in Turn

You can call only when your turn comes in a betting round. Calling out of turn is a breach of poker etiquette and can disrupt the game’s flow.

Side Pot in All-In

A player can go all-in with fewer chips than the current bet. In such cases, you can call the all-in amount.

However, a side pot is created for the remaining chips. Only players with full stacks compete for this pot.

Let’s say the current bet is ₹50, and player A goes all-in with ₹20. Now, you can call ₹20 to compete for the main pot.

The remaining ₹30 goes into a side pot.

No Raising After Calling

Once you call, you cannot raise during the same turn. If you want to increase the bet, you must raise instead of calling.

Table Stakes Rules

You can only call using the chips in front of you. It is not possible to borrow money or add chips to match a bet during a call.

Raise vs. Call in Poker

Imagine you have raised, and your opponent chooses to call. You will win more money if you have better cards.

Consequently, imagine your opponent folds instead of calling when you have raised. Here, you will win only the amount you have raised.

Verbal Declaration

It’s better to call verbally to avoid any confusion. You say “call” when you put chips in the pot.

This ensures that the dealer and opponents understand your intent.

Also see: How to Play Poker?

Types of Calls in Poker

Players use different kinds of calls based on strategy and hand strength. Here’s a breakdown:

Standard Call

This is the most common type of call. You simply match the current bet to stay in the hand and see the next card or reach a showdown.

Cold Call

A cold call happens when you call a bet after facing a raise and an original bet in the same round.

Example:

Player A bets ₹10, and player B raises to ₹30. Here, you can call the ₹30 directly.

Overcall

An overcall occurs when you call a bet after one or more players have already called in the same round.

Example:

Player A bets ₹50, and player B calls it. You can also call the ₹50.

Hero Call

A hero call is when you have a weak or marginal hand but suspect your opponent is bluffing. This is a high-risk and high-reward move generally made at the showdown.

Flat Call

A flat call is a strategic move. You call instead of raising, even when you have a strong hand.

It helps you disguise the strength of your hand and encourage other players to stay in the pot.

Crying Call

A crying call happens when you call reluctantly, knowing you’re behind. It helps you confirm your suspicions or prevent being bluffed.

Let’s say your opponent bets heavily on the river. You call with a second-best hand, suspecting they have a better one.

All-In Call

An all-in call in poker means you commit all your remaining chips to the pot. Imagine your opponent bets ₹50, and you have ₹50 left.

You call by going all-in with your entire stack.

Also check: Win big with top poker strategy!

When to Call in Poker

Knowing when to call is the secret of success. Below are a few situations when a call is an excellent move.

You Have Good Odds

Calling is a smart move if pot odds are favourable. Pot odds mean the size of the pot justifies the cost of calling.

This is true when drawing to a strong hand like a flush or straight.

Example:

The pot is ₹100, and your opponent bets ₹20. Calling ₹20 to potentially win ₹120 gives you excellent pot odds.

You’re on a Strong Draw

Calling is suitable if you’re holding a draw with strong potential, such as a straight or flush draw. Additionally, the bet size should be manageable.

This is called “chasing outs.”

Example:

You have 🔸8🔸9, and the board is 🔸J, ♣10, 🔸2. Calling a moderate bet gives you an opportunity to hit your straight or flush.

You Suspect a Bluff

You have a marginal or decent hand and suspect your opponent is bluffing. In such cases, a call in poker can expose their strategy and help you win the pot.

However, this works best after carefully observing your opponent’s behaviour and betting patterns.

Also Read: Bluff Game Rules

You’re in Position

Being in position means acting after your opponent. It gives you the advantage of more information in subsequent betting rounds.

Calling lets you see your opponent’s next actions and make more informed decisions.

Example:

You’re on the button with ♣Q♣J, and the board is ♠K, ♣10, 🔸5. Calling lets you see the turn card and evaluate your straight draw.

Pot Control is Key

Calling instead of raising can help keep the pot size manageable. It is a suitable move when you’re uncertain about your opponent’s strength.

This strategy minimises risk while still keeping you in the hand.

Example:

You have ♠A🔸J, and the board shows 🔸A, ♣7, 🧡6. Calling your opponent’s bet avoids overcommitting if they have a stronger ace.

Set Up a Bluff Later

Strategic calling can help you set up a bluff in future rounds. By calling on an earlier street, you can keep your opponent guessing.

Additionally, you can raise later to represent a strong hand.

The Risk is Small

Calling might justify the risk if the bet size is small compared to the pot. It can work even if you have a mediocre hand.

This approach is often called “peeling”.”

Example:

The pot is ₹300, and your opponent bets ₹30. Even with a marginal hand, calling can be worth it for the opportunity to win a large pot.

Explore all essential poker actions here!

Learn to Call Like a Pro

A call in poker is about balancing risk and reward. It is a strategic decision that can shape the outcome of a hand.

A good call requires analysing pot odds, assessing opponent behaviour, and understanding your hand’s potential. When done correctly, it can be among the most rewarding plays.

Now that you are aware of calling rules, hit the tables and try your skills.

FAQs on Call in Poker

1. What is call in poker known as?

Call in poker is also called “float”.” It means matching the current bet.

2. What is the difference between check and call in poker?

Call means matching the current bet in the betting round. Checking means passing the move to the next player without adding any chips to the middle.

3. Can you raise after a call in poker?

You cannot raise after you call in the same betting round.

4. Should you call often in poker?

You should call only if the situation permits. For example, you can call after analysing your hands’s potential and weighing the pot odds and your positional advantage.

5. What happens if everyone folds after a call?

The person who called wins the round if everyone folds. The cards are also not revealed.