In poker, checking, betting, folding, calling, and raising are the five basic actions a player can take during a hand. Here’s a brief explanation of each:

1. Checking: If no one has bet yet on a particular betting round, a player has the option to check. This means the player does not want to make a bet, but does want to keep their cards and remain in the hand.
2. Betting: If a player wants to make a bet, they can do so by placing a bet in the pot. The size of the bet is up to the player, but it must be at least the minimum bet set by the rules of the game.
3. Folding: If a player does not want to continue playing a hand, they can fold their cards and give up any chance of winning the pot. Folding means a player is no longer in the hand and cannot win the pot, but they also do not have to put any more money in the pot.

3. Calling: If a player wants to stay in the hand but someone has already made a bet, they can call the bet by matching the amount of the bet. This means the player puts the same amount of money in the pot as the bettor.
4. Raising: If a player wants to increase the size of the bet, they can raise. This means the player makes a bet that is larger than the previous bet, and other players must either reraise, call the raise or fold.

It’s important to understand these basic actions in poker because they form the foundation of the game. By knowing when to check, bet, fold, call, or raise, a player can make strategic decisions that influence the outcome of the hand.