Limit Lessons: Utilizing the Check-Raise
According to Sklansky and Malmuth's Holdem Poker for Advanced Players (HEPAP), the check-raise is "the play of checking your hand with the intention of raising on the same round after an opponent bets." S&M continue with the following: "...the check-raise should often be used to exclude opponents from competing for the pot. Sometimes, in limit holdem, this is the most desirable characteristic of check-raising."
According to my PokerTracker database (get your copy of PokerTracker by clicking the logo on the front page), I've executed check-raises on all three post-flop streets. Why, and what does the check-raise accomplish? Again, according to S&M, raising in and of itself can serve 5 purposes:
1) To get more money in the pot.
2) To drive players out.
3) To bluff (or semi-bluff)
4) To get a free card.
5) To get information (not really applicable here)
The check-raise is used similarly, but for its shock value alone, can serve as an even more effective tool than by simply raising alone.
1) To get more money in the pot: The C/R is used this way when you have a monster hand. Most weak players figure that they've already committed one bet to the pot, so why not commit a second? For example, I picked up AJs in EP and raised. The flop came J-5-9 rainbow, and I let out and was called. The turn brought an Ace, completing the rainbow. This hand is a monster. Unless the opponent has a set, you have the nuts with top two pair. I checked the turn, my opponent bet, and I raised him. He then called the bet, as he had already committed $15 to the $40 pot, and couldn't justify folding for another $6. The turn paired the 9, I bet, he called with Aces and Nines, and I took down the pot.
2) To drive players out: You have a solid hand, but a vulnerable hand, and you want others to get the hell out of your way. I picked up K8s in MP, and limped. The flop came 7-K-K in a 5-way pot. I checked, the button bet, and I raised. Two of the 5 players folded. I wanted someone who paired their 7 still in, but anyone with any other overpair out.
3) To bluff (or semi-bluff): I wouldn't use the check-raise to bluff, because you're throwing 2 bets away with nothing. The only time that it can be effective is if you feel your opponent is weak, and that he/she will fold to your check-raise.
4) To get a free card: The check-raise, when you utilize it properly is quite the scare tactic. Most players will back down from you unless they have a monster hand. It is the tendency of players to check to the raiser. An opportunistic check-raise can force your opponent to check the next street to you and give you a free card.
The check-raise is an effective weapon to keep in your arsenal in Limit Holdem. Learn to use it properly in each situation, and become a more profitable player.
According to my PokerTracker database (get your copy of PokerTracker by clicking the logo on the front page), I've executed check-raises on all three post-flop streets. Why, and what does the check-raise accomplish? Again, according to S&M, raising in and of itself can serve 5 purposes:
1) To get more money in the pot.
2) To drive players out.
3) To bluff (or semi-bluff)
4) To get a free card.
5) To get information (not really applicable here)
The check-raise is used similarly, but for its shock value alone, can serve as an even more effective tool than by simply raising alone.
1) To get more money in the pot: The C/R is used this way when you have a monster hand. Most weak players figure that they've already committed one bet to the pot, so why not commit a second? For example, I picked up AJs in EP and raised. The flop came J-5-9 rainbow, and I let out and was called. The turn brought an Ace, completing the rainbow. This hand is a monster. Unless the opponent has a set, you have the nuts with top two pair. I checked the turn, my opponent bet, and I raised him. He then called the bet, as he had already committed $15 to the $40 pot, and couldn't justify folding for another $6. The turn paired the 9, I bet, he called with Aces and Nines, and I took down the pot.
2) To drive players out: You have a solid hand, but a vulnerable hand, and you want others to get the hell out of your way. I picked up K8s in MP, and limped. The flop came 7-K-K in a 5-way pot. I checked, the button bet, and I raised. Two of the 5 players folded. I wanted someone who paired their 7 still in, but anyone with any other overpair out.
3) To bluff (or semi-bluff): I wouldn't use the check-raise to bluff, because you're throwing 2 bets away with nothing. The only time that it can be effective is if you feel your opponent is weak, and that he/she will fold to your check-raise.
4) To get a free card: The check-raise, when you utilize it properly is quite the scare tactic. Most players will back down from you unless they have a monster hand. It is the tendency of players to check to the raiser. An opportunistic check-raise can force your opponent to check the next street to you and give you a free card.
The check-raise is an effective weapon to keep in your arsenal in Limit Holdem. Learn to use it properly in each situation, and become a more profitable player.
2 Comments:
In your AJ hand, if villain had A9 there folding the turn with it would be really retarded.
You wouldve made more money if you just bet the turn and 3 bet him after he raises his two pair.
Fancy play syndrome costs you a BB here.
in addition in most games you're turn check will simply get checked behind if villian is on a draw, and then when you bet the river and he misses, you cost yourself another big bet.
thirdly if the villain has a hand here like KJ, if you CR he will usually just fold and you cost yourself a big bet again.
i see no merit to check raising this whatsover.
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