The check-raise is a very powerful move in poker. It is a very popular move amongst advanced players, but there is no reason why it cannot be successfully employed at the lower limits and against weaker players. However, some players can actually consider the move unfair, but this is only because they know they are being outplayed when they come up against a check-raise. Some card rooms have actually banned the move, but the real fact of the matter is check-raising is a perfectly legal move and can potentially win you much larger pots if used correctly.
The check-raise is essentially when a player checks when the action gets to him or her with the intention or raising if their opponent bets. As you can guess, you have to be in an early position in the hand for this move to work, as you have to have players acting after you that could potentially bet after you have checked. It would not be possible to check-raise in last position, because there would be no player to check to and bet after you.
The move can be a little perplexing to the amateur player, but on the whole it gives off the impression that you have a very strong hand. The move appears to be a little unusual because at one point you are checking and showing weakness, but then raising and showing strength all in one betting round. The more experienced player will realise that they have been ‘trapped’, as you have managed to make them put money into the pot by checking, and then ‘trapping’ their money in the pot by raising their bet. Therefore you can see why players can become frustrated and annoyed at themselves after being check-raised.
The move can be used both as a bluff, or when you have a strong hand and want to close off the action. You can use the check-raise as a bluff because it makes you appear to have a very strong hand, so that your opponents will fold any marginal hands. However, it is important to raise your opponent’s bet by at least 3BB to ensure that you do not give them the correct odds to call to see another card and try and improve their hand.
You can also check-raise when you have a strong hand to try and close off the action and take down the pot. Say for instance you have top two pair but there is a potential straight and flush draw on the board. You currently have a very strong hand, but it is one that needs protecting as it could easily be outdrawn. Therefore by using a check-raise you can let your opponents know that you have a very strong hand, and make them pay more to see the next card. You also give yourself the opportunity to make more money from the hand because you are taking your opponents bet along with the current size of the pot if your opponent does indeed fold his hand.
As you can see, the main objective using the check raise is to let your opponents know that you have a strong hand and to close off the action. When using the check-raise, it is important to be sure that your opponents will bet after you have checked, otherwise they will receive a free card if they check also, which could potentially be very costly. The way you can be sure of this is by becoming familiar with your opponents style of play, so that you can get a good idea of when your opponents will bet or when they will check depending on the situation. The move is not easily mastered, but over time and through practice, the check-raise can become a very powerful and profitable move.
