Checking in the dark

[CianCrillz]

When 2 players are in a hand and a player checks in the dark, gaining a positional advantage by doing so what if anything does this tell you about the players hand. Also is there any rule stopping someone from doing this consistently and is it a worthwhile tactic when OOP?

[NextinLine]

In my opinion, checking in the dark is a sign of weakness. Generally when done against me, it's to hope that I'll just follow and check back so they get to see a free card.

[tacticaltal]

This used to get my attention too. It seems in my experience that it indicates 2 pair when done on the river. This usually happens after the turn and before the dealer turns up the river card. I usually put the player on 2 pair.

[Cernunnos]

I think there is no rule to prevent them doing it,
and if you google your question, there is actually some discussion of this question, with some long inteesting replies on another forum.

[Ray Zee]

its done for one of these reasons so find the one that applies and bet accordingly

1. he wants a no bet on the next round
2. he is being friendly and isnt interested in getting your money
3. he is weak and scared
4. he is smart and trying to get you to bet a weak hand knowing you think a blind check means weakness
5. he is checking on the river to what he thinks is a draw
so wouldnt bet no matter what came

[RapidEvolution]

[ QUOTE ]
its done for one of these reasons so find the one that applies and bet accordingly

1. he wants a no bet on the next round
2. he is being friendly and isnt interested in getting your money
3. he is weak and scared
4. he is smart and trying to get you to bet a weak hand knowing you think a blind check means weakness
5. he is checking on the river to what he thinks is a draw
so wouldnt bet no matter what came

[/ QUOTE ]

I find this last reason really interesting, and admit to not having thought about it. I think I've only seen a few pros do this (namely Hellmuth and Matisow) and didn't know this happened regularly. BTW, love the avatar.

[Ray Zee]

re, that applies to the guy doing the checking. if you want to check in the dark you have to decide how it will influence your opponent and then choose if its worth it.