Abstract: Blowout is the most serious accident during drilling process. Kicking is the forerunner of blowout, hence it is significant to optimize kick detection method and to improve the monitoring instantaneity and reliability for realizing safe, efficient and economic drilling. The paper analyzed the causes and signs of kicking, and classified the existing kick detection methods into six categories according to the differences of detecting parameters and forms. And it made deep analysis and comparisons about the advantages and disadvantages, applications suitability and relative algorithms of the methods. Based on the above it proposed an online monitoring and warning system for kick forerunning based on PWD, micro-flux detection and comprehensive logging parameters. At last, the prospect was described on the application and development of MPD, LWD, PWD in kick detection field, and the main factors restricting kick detection were pointed out.