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What is a Check Raise?
Check Raise Gift Card Balance
A play that used to be considered bad etiquette and still is in some old casinos. The check raise is a tricky and powerful move when used effectively in poker. It is where a player will check (representing weakness) and then re-raise a bet on the same round of betting. Let’s took a look at an example:
Example Hand
Player A raises to £10 before the flop and Player B calls from the big blind. The flop comes 7s 8s 3d. Player B checks to the initial raiser. Player A bets £15 and Player B re-raises to £50.
The General Rule on Check Raising There is a general rule on check raising, and it has two component parts. First, check with the intention of raising only when you believe you will have the best hand most of the time you are called. Just believing that you have the best hand does not justify a check raise. A Check Raise in Texas hold’em poker is a misleading poker strategy used by advanced poker players. The player checks their poker hand (usually a strong hand) as to appear weak or not that interested in playing. They are hoping one of their opponent (s) falls for the trap by betting. A check-raise is made when you check when the action gets to you, with the intention of raising if your opponent bets, hence the name 'check-raise'. As you can imagine it is an interesting move because at first you show weakness to your opponent by checking, and then coming over the top of them to show a great amount of strength.
Notice Player B checked, then raised the bet hence “check raise”.
Check Raise Poker
Why Check Raise?
There can many reasons a player may opt for check raising. It can be designed to build the pot up for bigger bets and value later in the hand. This play can also be used to represent a strong hand and in fact be bluffing. It can be used to exploit an aggressive player and it can also be used to semi bluff.
The Texas Hold’em Questions bluffing course has 2 modules dedicated to check raises, from the flop and on the river. Click below for more information.
Perceptions of a Check Raise
Risks with Check Raising
By checking to your opponent you are risking giving free cards that can beat you. It also makes it harder to bluff if you have nothing as your opponent has less streets to fold to resistance. You need to feel pretty confident your opponent will bet if you are considering a check raise.
Secondly, if you are trying a check raise on a bluff that you are investing more than a standard bet. Let’s face it, if your opponent is strong, the fact you check raised isn’t going to make much of a difference.
There is also the risk that you do this move too often, even an intermediate player will pick up on tendencies so be careful not to over use the check raise.
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Photo by Amanda Jones @amandgraphc
If you’re new to the game of Poker you might be overwhelmed with the many different poker terms that you hear during the game. In order for a game to flow smoothly, players should be well versed with the basic Poker Action terms such as Check, Bet, Call, Raise and Fold. In this simple guide, we will explain each term and how it is used in the game of Poker.
If you find that you need to learn more about the different phases of the game of Poker such as the Flop, Turn and River, check out our Beginner’s Guide: How To Play Poker
Check
Check is used when a player would like stay in the game and keep their cards while passing the action over to the next player. Using this option gives players the opportunity to raise, call or fold later on to any action from another player during the same betting round.
Players usually use the universal sign of tapping the table with their hands to indicate that they would like the Check.
Bet
A player opens the round of betting in a poker hand by calling a “Bet”. The player who called the action to “Bet” may be doing so because they are immediately to the left of the dealer button allowing them first action, or because another player has checked and passed the action on to them. Subsequent players will then be faced with the option to call, raise, or fold.
Call
After a player has called a “Bet”, subsequent player can “Call” the bet. A “Call” is essentially just matching the existing wager from a “Bet” or a “Raise” in the current betting round. If no player decides to call, the hand is over and the player who made the “Bet” or “Raise” wins the hand. If in the case the hand makes it to the “River” and a “Bet” or “Raise” is called by either one or more than one player, all players who are still in the hand will show their hole cards and the best hand wins.To learn more about hand rankings, please check out our Guide to Poker Hand Rankings.
Raise
Check Raise Bluff
A player who would like to increase the wager of the opening bet has the option to call a “Raise”. A “Raise” has to be equal or more than the amount of the previous “Bet” or “Raise”. The action of raising is usually associated with having a strong hand but can also be used as a bluff to win the pot.
After a “Raise” has been placed, subsequent players will have the option of a “Call”, “Fold” or a “Re-Raise”. A “Re-Raise” is exactly what it sounds like. Players who would like to increase the existing wager from the “Raise” that has already been placed can choose to “Re-Raise”. Now this could go on and on until a player decides to just “Call” it or “Fold”.
Fold
A “Fold” is to discard your hole cards, essentially ending your participation in a hand. Players will no longer need to contribute to the pot once they have folded. When playing online poker, players can only “Fold” when it is their turn to act. The general rule of thumb applies in live poker games as well and players who wish to fold will need to wait for their turn before declaring their intention to “Fold” by tossing their hole cards face down towards the dealer who will then place the cards in the muck pile.
Check Raise Fold
Now that you’re more familiar with the basic poker actions, you can play poker with more confidence. Whether you’re playing live poker or online poker, Texas Hold’em or Omaha, you’re equipped with the knowledge that will help you improve your poker game.
Poker Check Raise
Related: Beginners Guide on How To Play Texas Hold’em
Related: How To Play Omaha
Check Raise The Devil
Related: Short Deck (6+) Rules Explained