To check in the game of poker is to decline making a bet. If no player has yet Openeded a betting round, the player in turn may check, indicating that he does not choose to open, but that he wishes to keep his cards and retain the right to call or raise later in the same round if some other player opens. A common way to signify checking is to rap the table with an open hand or fist.
A player with a live Blind who chooses not to take advantage of his right to Raise is said to check his option, which can be signified the same way.
The word check is also used for chip, especially in casinos.
