Beginner's Guide to Check-Raising in Poker
Once you’ve mastered the basics of betting in poker, it’s time to start adding a few more advanced moves to your arsenal. Whether you're playing poker online or in a land-based casino the check-raise is one of the most powerful moves you can make - the idea is to lull your opponents into thinking they have the upper hand, encourage them to fill the pot and then move in for the kill.
The Move
The move itself is quite simple. When acting out-of-position (with one or more players waiting to act after you), try to resist the temptation to bet - instead, check the hand through and hope that one of your opponents makes his move. When they inevitably do, that's when you swoop in with a decent sized raise and either force a fold or create a giant pot for you to win later on.
Getting Value
For beginners, the best way to use the check-raise is to get value out of your hand - it will be most effective if you have the upper hand in a flush or straight draw, or if the cards on the table are no match for yours. With a well-timed check-raise you will be able to convince players with weaker cards that they could potentially win the pot, giving them the confidence to pile their chips in under the assumption that they have you beat. This means that when you do win, the pot will be much larger than it would of been had you snap bet at the first opportunity.
The Bluff
The more experienced players, however, may want to try using this move as a new way to bluff. Because your check followed by a forceful raise shows a willingness to risk so many chips, it will instantly put your fellow players on edge, making them nervous about your hand and forcing them to take a more considered approach to their next move. When you choose to bluff is up to you, but the move works best when the table cards are drawing a blank, or there is an outside chance of a flush draw later down the line. Remember, though - this is a very high risk strategy. If you bluff with nothing and your opponent stays firm or has a monster hand, you could potentially lose a sizeable chunk of your stack.
When To Check-Raise
It's also important to make sure you only check-raise when you're out of position and there are two or three players ready to follow you. If there aren't enough playing after you then your chances of forcing a bet are limited, but if there are too many you may be giving someone else a chance to pull exactly the same move.
Check-raising can be a fun way to inject a sense of drama into your game, but you should always use this technique with caution. If you get called out too many times your opponents will start to learn your game, and if it goes wrong you can be in big danger of losing a lot of chips. If you're nervous about trying out your new moves in a real casino, hone your skills online at 888 Poker today and you'll soon be check-raising like a pro.
Recommended Poker Sites
- Our Top Pick#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. 18+. UK. New players only. Deposit min £10 to get 100% deposit bonus (up to £400). Must accumulate 4 x deposit bonus in points to release in full, within 90 days. Bonus is released in 10% increments. Additional £70 credited as P$ and tickets (credited over 9 days). Restrictions and T&Cs apply.Official Partner of F1 McLaren Racing TeamPoker Ambassadors Kevin Hart & Carl FrochEarn up to 40% Cashback Every Weeknot requiredBonus CodeThe code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)Payout TimeThe usual withdrawal processing time1-2 DaysRakebackDoes this poker site refund a portion of your rake or offer cashback for poker loyalty points?YesWSOP SatellitesCan you enter satellites for World Series of Poker™ event packages?YesHome GamesCan you set up private online poker games with friends?YesOne of the pioneers of online poker, PartyPoker was once the world’s biggest poker site and they still host huge online tournaments such as the prestigious MILLIONS series - with a $1million guaranteed main event, plus satellites to PartyPoker live events.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. 18+ T&Cs Apply. Welcome Bonus promotion for new players only; minimum deposit required. Please Play Responsibly. www.begambleaware.org
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New members only, must opt in. Min £10 deposit & wager. 30 day expiry from deposit. Extra Spins: on Double Bubble. Spins value: 20p each. Bingo: Advertised ticket value based on £1 tickets. Game availability & restrictions apply. 18+. **£10 lifetime deposit required. #Ad, BeGambleAware.org
- 4#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New members only, must opt in. Min £10 deposit & wager. 30 day expiry from deposit. 18+. Extra Spins: on Double Bubble. 1p coin size, max lines. Game availability & restrictions apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. 18+ | UK new players only. Deposit bonus (equals to 200% up to 1,000$): Full T&C's apply • First deposit only • Min. deposit $10 • The bonus will be granted in $10 chunks subject to wagering restrictions of 100 Bonus Points per chunk • Bonus wins are capped at $500 • Valid for selected games only, when playing Casino • Wagering req. vary by game • Bonus expires in 90 days. BeGambleAware - Full Terms Apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. First-time depositors only. Min. deposit £10 with Bonus Code ‘STARS400’. Play on any real money table on the site within 120 days after making eligible deposit. Bonus released in £5 instalments every 100 redemption points. Terms apply.
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. 18+. T&Cs apply. New Customers Only. £20 extra = one cash game ticket of €8 and 4 x UK Tour tournament tickets of €4. £500 Playthrough bonus = €600. Both bonuses are activated upon first deposit from the poker client. Tickets expire after 35 days and the playthrough bonus after 60. £1 GBP = €1.1875. Selected games only. BeGambleaware.org. - Full Terms Apply
- #ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. €365 bonus is redeemed in instalments based on Status Points earned. Tickets and prize wheel spins expire after seven days. Time limits, exclusions and T&Cs apply. For more information about this offer please visit the website. 18+. New players only. Registration Required. Gamble responsibly. http://www.gamblingcare.ie/. - Full Terms Apply
Stay In The Loop With New Casino Sites & Offers!
Free Spins. Exclusive Bonuses. Sent Weekly.