String Bets
A string bet is a bet that’s made in two motions. It’s common in home games to see a player say, “I call your dollar,” put a dollar in the pot, then say, “And raise you a dollar,” as he reaches into his stack of chips for a second chip. That’s a string bet. In a casino, if you’re going to raise simply state “raise.” Don’t say something like “I’ll call your bet and raise you.” Just say the one word, “Raise,” and put all your chips into the pot at one time, not in two motions of your hand.
The reason for this rule is to reduce the chances for players to engage in what’s called angle shooting. Without this rule players can call a bet, wait to see your reaction to the call, and if you react in a way that suggests you didn’t want to be called, they will raise. Not allowing string bets reduces the opportunity for this kind of unethical move.
Filed under: Texas Hold'em