The Check Raise - No Limit Hold'em

The Check-Raise is a powerful move in No-Limit Holdem games when used in the right circumstances. However many players use the check-raise inappropriately either due to lack of understanding of the fundamentals or bad bet sizing. This article shows you how and when to use the check-raise to maximize your profits at the tables.

We begin with a definition of the check-raise and covering some of the basic reasons you might choose to check-raise an opponent. Next the critical role that stack-sizes play in check-raising is introduced. Finally we will look at check-raising several opponents and check-raising as a bluff.

What is a Check Raise?

In its basic form the check raise is defined as raising an opponent’s bet on the same betting round that you checked to them. In order for the check raise to work you need to be confident that your opponent will bet – if they also check you have given them a free card.

This move is made with 2 possible objectives in mind. Either you win the pot immediately or build the pot to make bet sizes larger on future betting rounds. In order to be able to check-raise you must be first to act – when last to act you can either raise if your opponent checks, re-raise their bet or check to take a free card.

Why You Should Check Raise

Check-raising is a strong move in no-limit Holdem. It will often win the pot straight away. Yet many players make this move only with their strongest holdings. It is important to consider why you want to make this play before making it. If your objective is to take a large pot immediately then think about the odds you are offering an opponent – will they be forced to call? Another objective may be as a semi-bluff, you have a drawing hand and feel that a check-raise on the flop may let you see both the turn and the river cards for one price – while having an opponent fold immediately is not a bad result either.

Stack Sizes

When considering a check-raise with a strong holding (for example trips) it is important to consider stack sizes of both you and your opponent. If stacks are ‘deep’ relative to the blinds you may find that check-raising allows your opponent to get away from their hand cheaply – in this case raising to build the pot may be the better option.

Conversely if stacks are shallow compared to the blinds then your opponent may be getting pot-odds of more than 2/1 once you check-raise, this will force them to call with reasonable holdings and may be the best way to get the money into the middle.

Bear in mind that against many opponents the check-raise will win one more bet only. Tight or timid opponents will not call your re-raise and even some aggressive opponents may ‘back off’ if you show too much strength. Before making this move, ask yourself the question. ‘What is the best way to get the most money into the pot in these circumstances?’

Opponent Tendencies

If your opponent has shown a tendency to call too often then a check-raise may well grow the pot to ensure bigger bets on future rounds. If you have an aggressive opponent and hit a monster hand then you may be better off letting them build the pot for you by checking and calling – saving your check-raise for the river.

Bet Size

Finally a common mistake with this move is to raise too little. If your opponent bets only a small proportion of the pot and you check-raise an equally small amount you may be giving the opponent the correct odds they need to chase drawing hands. Make sure you know the pot-odds being offered when making this move.

To summarize, check-raising is a powerful move in no-limit Holdem and can be used with both a monster hand and as a semi-bluff. When check-raising consider first whether this is the best way to maximize your profits on the hand by considering the stack sizes and the tendencies of your opponents. Finally, make sure you do not accidentally give your opponent(s) the correct odds to try and out-draw you.

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