String Bet
An illegal move where a player puts chips into the pot in multiple motions without verbally declaring a raise.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is String Bet?
String bets are prohibited to prevent players from gauging opponents' reactions mid-bet and adjusting their bet size accordingly. Most poker rooms require a player to either announce their action verbally or push all their chips forward in a single continuous motion; failing to do so typically results in the bet being ruled as just a call.
Examples
A player pushing out chips for a call, pausing, then reaching back for more chips to raise without announcing it -- ruled a string bet and reduced to just a call.
A player avoiding a string bet by verbally announcing 'raise to 300' before placing chips.
Strategy Tips
Always announce your action verbally before or while betting, especially when raising, to avoid any ambiguity or dispute with the dealer. If you intend to raise, either state the full amount out loud or grab all the chips you plan to bet in one motion. Learn the specific string bet rules of the room you're playing in, since enforcement can vary slightly between casinos. If a string bet ruling goes against you, calmly call the floor if you believe a genuine mistake was made rather than arguing with the dealer directly.