Checking “in the dark” is a slang phrase that refers to the player, first to make a wager in the opening round, checking before the community cards are dealt. There are advantages and disadvantages to this. The primary advantage is that a person eliminates any disadvantage they have based on their position. Based on where a player is sitting, they may have less or more of an advantage then the other players. Usually those in the latter positions are better off because they have an opportunity to watch everyone else. There are however disadvantages to checking in the dark. The main one is that a person limits their options if players behind them check. This is an option available to players in land based games but not those played online.
Checking in the dark has become more popular as well known, professional poker players began doing it. The opinions on whether or not this is a good strategy has been mixed. There are some people that feel like checking in the dark decreases the amount of control a player has. In a game where controlling the things that a person can is considered invaluable, giving up control seems like a bad move.
There are some noted advantages of using this strategy. Some people feel like it is a good move because it is show of strength. Others suggest that it puts ones opponents out of position. A player’s opponent can no longer act based on the action of the player in front of them. He or she now has to make the first move. It also allows players not to give away what’s in their hand.
Checking in the dark is becoming more popular. Is it a good idea? That depends largely on the amount of experience the person has who’s doing it. Having a good follow-up strategy will be key in determining whether or not it puts a person in a better position or a worse one.