Check Raising

Check Raising can usually be used after setting a trap, but other times it can be used to take a pot away by applying the max pressure. When you are playing a check raise to set a trap most of the time it is better off to do on the turn whereas if you are stealing a pot with a check raise you should make it on the flop. With a check raise on the flop you should make the raise about 2.5 to 3 times what the bet is. Most of the time it is best to not make a complete bluff on any particular hand, but rather a semi-bluff. If you can make an effective semi bluff with the nut flush draw or a pair and a straight draw you can commit yourself to a pot, but not before putting a lot of pressure on your opponent. Making a big check raise as opposed to a small one is best when you are making a check raise with a draw. If you have a hand on the flop like 55 on a board with an ace on it this can get folds from hands like KK or lower and weak aces. That is the best spot to be in with a small pair that misses a set. If you have a good enough idea of what your opponent has or even if you don’t the perfect spot to make a bluff is with a middle pocket pair that misses a set on the flop. You can play like either a set or like a big ace that was slow played before the flop. The only way that you don’t win the pot on the flop is if they hit a set or have AK/AQ. Most of the time this is unlikely and you will take the pot down.

If you are setting a trap for an opponent you can often times just check call a flop then check raise all-in on the turn. The only reason that this play would be correct is if you feel like your opponent also has a big hand, or they have made a mistake and committed themselves to a pot without having the best hand. Otherwise making a check raise on the flop most times is ideal because it collects an initial bet, and if they have a hand like a flush draw versus your set they may put all the poker bonus money in with way the worst of it being almost a 3 to 1 dog. If you can collect all of your opponents chips by a check raise with the best hand then you have made the right move. Sometimes if you simply lead out at a pot you won’t get their continuation bet or value for your hand, so, making the initial check and then raise will do that. If you are playing against aggressive players this is the best time to use the check raise if you have a hand or if you have a big draw and is ready to gamble. If you can successfully trap your opponent by using the check raise this means that you have gotten all of the money in the pot with them drawing almost dead.