09-30-04, LearnTexasHoldem:
What is a check raise?
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Let me give you an example of a check raise and then I'll go into a few details about how it is used and why:
You have A4 in the BB
Tiesto calls
Paul Van Dyke calls
The flop is A45
You are first and check.
Tiesto bets $30
Paul Van Dyke folds
It is your turn again. By checking before, now you have the option to raise Teisto, fold or call. You just call (this is called slow playing).
The turn is another 4.
You check again.
Tiesto now bets $100
It is your turn again and once again you have the option to raise, fold, or just call. You decide to check raise now. You raise him to $300 total. Tiesto calls all-in.
The river is another 5.
The flop is now A4455
You 4s full of Aces: 444AA
He has two pair with his AK: AA55K
You win.
Notice how you checked and then after he bet it gave you the option to raise. That is the check raise. This is also how you typically slow play a person -- you check to them and they bet and you make a move on them later by raising. There are a few reasons why you check raise:
1. To limit the opposition. For example if you are in early position and there are a lot of people who have called preflop and you have a hand that could easily be run down if everyone calls, sometimes it is better to check raise and force them to pay two bets if they want to continue. In limit holdem most people will peal a card off if it only costs them one bet. On the other hand if they have to call two bets cold (meaning they haven't called one bet already), then they are much less likely to go for their long shot draws.
2. To make someone pay. Another time the check raised is used is to get more money in the pot when you have a good hand and are sure that someone behind you will bet. Let's say you have 55 preflop and the flop is Q85. Someone raised before the flop and you are sure that they have a big hand like AA or KK. You want to milk them for as much money as you can so going for a check raise on the turn is probably your best move since they will have already committed a lot of money to the pot. Another example is if you hit your flush and are sure someone will bet behind you. You don't always go for a check raise, only if you are sure someone will bet after you or you'll run the risk of losing a bet.
3. To bluff/semi-bluff. Lastly, the check raise is the strongest move for bluffing. It is the strongest bluff because it is the most dangerous bluff. When you check raise someone it means that they had to put in a bet before you and since they are already invested that round when you check raise it looks more legit because they are more likely to call. Use this less of course but it is very powerful.
Check raising is a big part of the game of holdem and you use it liberally from early position. Just don't turn into someone who always tries to slow play or you'll end up losing bets and become too predictable. Sometimes go for check raises on the flop, sometimes on the turn card, sometimes not at all. It just depends on what you are trying to accomplish.Your rating:
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