I am obviously new at this game and even while I have been having fun there are parts to this game I don't think I understand or play correctly. Now I am understanding most of the lingo but its the application of "checking" that I am confused by.

When playing Texas Holdem, who is allowed to check?

What is the purpose of checking?

Even with 2 players and the first player bets, does the second player have to bet to stay in the game or is checking like a free ride to the next level? Can the second player use checking in this case?

If the first player checks, and the second player bets, does it go back to the first player and he hads to make a min. bid to stay in?

Does Checking take you out of the game?

Can someone please help me understand this better. Thanks.