Formal poker players don’t allow the check-raise strategy when they are having a friendly poker game with their friends. But when real money is at stake, this strategy is a good one to have in your pocket.
No jokes, the check-raise is one of the most effective poker strategies in poker when use correctly. And when use at the right time, this tactic is very useful.
Here’s an example:
You have a pocket of Jacks as your hole card. You’re in the middle position and when its your turn you raised the bet to 6 times the big blind. If you’re lucky, one player will call and the blinds will fold.
And then the flop was opened. Its 8 6 Q and its your time to make a move. If you think the other player’s hand belonged in a range that you assumed then its time for you to use the check-raise to gain information. Perhaps your opponent has a big pre-flop card of A K. If this is your assumption then you’ll think that he has not connected with the flop. If you checked him then you’ll be sending this signal to him:
1. You missed the first three community cards.
2. You have a weaker pair in hand.
This move will give your opponent a green light to continue betting. And they will especially if they have the AK hole.
Now its your turn to act and its time to execute the last phase of the check raise strategy. And with this you can gather information from your opponent that you needed. He will make a decision and then take action. Load up this info and do the right thing in accordance with the decision that he will make.
A call from your opponent, probably means that he had a strong card, maybe one Queen to pair up with the flop. If he re-raise, this is one sign for you to stop betting and fold your Jacks. At that moment, your opponent clearly has a monster hand which you can’t beat.
Nothing is unattainable in poker. And the example I gave you is only a brief discussion of this strategy. I hope it can help.
Share and Good Luck!