Pokerwebpages.com → Advanced texas holdem poker

Check-Raising

1. In limit holdem, what is sometimes the best reason to check-raise ?

To exclude opponents from competing for the pot.

2. When is it correct to check-raise ?

When:

1. You think you have the best hand (though not a slow playing hand).
2. You are quite sure that someone will bet behind you.

3. Is it ever correct to check-raise with a drawing hand ?

This is correct when you think a player to your left will bet and two or more players will call.

4. Is this how a four-flush or an open-end straight draw normally should be played ?

No. Normally you should bet if this may enable you to steal the pot.

5. What may happen if you check a lot of good hands on the flop ?

Some of your opponents may become afraid to bet. That is, they may be more inclined to give you a free card, and this free card, and this free card may in he

6. But what if this free card is a blank ?

You now may be able to steal the pot.

7. What else might happen if you check a lot of poker hands on the flop ?

The Free Card that you give occasionally may cost you the pot.

8. Can you check-raise semi-bluff ?

Yes.

9. Example.

You have T♦ 9♦, and the flop is 8♦ 4♠ 2♣. You bet and are raised, and you (correctly ) call. The next card is the J♦. You should check-raise.

10. Another example ?

You have Q♠ J♠, and the flop comes Q♣ 8♦ 4♠. If any spade hits on fourth street, you should check-raise.

11. What is another very important reason to check-rasie ?

In games of today’s structure, the bet on the flop is often not large enough, when compared to the size of the pot, to make incorrect for drawing hands (and this includes hands like middle pair) to call. This means that you should check-raise a fair amount in an attempt to cut down the odds for opponents to draw out on you when the pot is large.

12. What is a good guideline to follow ?

Consider check-raising if it is unlikely that an overcard can hurt you.

13. Be specific:

If you flop top pair and your top pair is aces, kings, or queens (and you have an overcard kicker with your queen), check-raising is frequently the correct play online poker

14. What if it is a large multiway pot, you have top pair, but you are afraid of an overcard ?

It still may be correct to check-raise, especially if you are in an early position.

15. Why ?

This is because the pot is now so large that if you bet, you can expect a lot of callers anyway. Consequently, in an effort to thin the field, it may be necessary to risk the dreaded free card.

16. Example ?

You are in early position with Q♣ J♣ in a large multiway poker pot. The flop is J♠ 7♥ 2♦ You must consider going for a check-raise.