| Check Raise
Part 5 of 6 Check Raise
The main object in Holdem poker is to get the other players to fold, so you win the pot. This is not so easy to do on the micro tables. So we need to do the second objective; make them pay for it.
On your typical low limit table, where you see 3-5 callers to a flop is the ideal check raise situations. The check raise is used when you are in early position, relative to the dealer, that being you are first or second to act on the flop.
You will be holding a hand that has little chance to improve but a worth while hand to play.
Top Pair Top Kicker, 2 Pair, set.
It plays out like this:
You check the flop, and the player after you bets x3 BB and two people call and its your turn.
You raise to push out those that have called with 2 over cards, but called the x3 bet, or possibly called with a med pair or gut shot.
If you take the pot there, great. Don't count on it as its a loose table, but understand that pushing a couple draw hands or middle pair callers out of the pot, makes your Top Pair Top Kicker, 2 Pair, set really strong, with a nice size pot to boot.
Don't get to caught up in a re raise game. If your holding 2 pr, a set ....flat line call, and check raise the turn if there is little to no flush/straigh draws. Top Pair Top Kicker, that's something else to think about, pending on what info you have picked up from previous hands on that player that has now re raised.
This is playing trap, but it really isn't. Its trying to maximize pots that donkeys simply call with bad odds.
Also noted:
Do NOT check raise with a pair, or open ended straight draw, or a four flush. You want to keep as many of those players around so when you do hit the nuts on the turn/river, increases your chances that one of them will call you bets when holding the absolute nuts.  |