setting up the check raise

[thechad5 0]

Ok folks I want to hear your thoughts on one of the most vital tools a poker player has, the check-raise. Over the last couple of weeks I have moved from short stack late in games to the chip lead in a few short hands using the check-raise. I feel that a check raise late in games is the best tool you can have. I also feel that if used too often or too early it can get you killed. In our home game over the last 3 games I have used my check raise by setting it up before hand, at least I think that is how it has worked so well. I spent most of the night folding because the games have become very loose to start and my cards have been no better than marginal. I feel that it is important to set these plays up by folding even when you know you are getting bluffed out of a small pot. I see too many people worried about getting bluffed and not about what your table image is. In one table games I find it is important to let people think they can bluff you if you are not having a good run of cards because it sets them up for when you do. If you are constantly getting raised or re-raised when you bet people will be more likely to read a check-raise as a move of desperation or frustration. You don't have to fold in situations where you feel you are being bluffed often but purposely throwing a hand could mean much more late in games. Let me explain what I mean. Say you raise pre-flop and then the flop misses you so you check and someone in position bets something suspiscous. Now the hand you raised with is good but no more than a drawing hand. While it has been said that you should bet bet bet when you have a good hand and make someone draw out on you what is the point of calling or re-raising on a small pot when you could get more money out of your opponent later for thinking you're soft. This only really applies when your slow to start, but in my oppinion setting up the check-raise is just as important as knowing when to use it. I am not calling for people to play poorly and fold when you think you have the hand won, but if you are getting raised and bet out of pots because you cant get cards don't worry because your time will come and you can check-raise yourself to the promised land. Thoughts?

[jack24bauer24 0]

I suggest you learn how to set up using different paragraphs.

[thechad5 0]

I tried but it came out that way. Should have tabbed, but im not an english major, just a fan of poker.

[doublemeup 0]

I LOVE the check raise bluff. Its one of the most gutsy plays especially when its the check raise bluff all in. Like with anything, if you play a good hand a certain way, you have to play a bad/marginal hand the same way. I like to show my opponents a check raise when i have a good hand and check raise bluff when he tries to steal a small pot from me.

[PeterC 0]

this isnt wrestling, i dont think any specific 'move' will be the crux of a good player's game- you've gotta use it all baby

[Diabolical 0]

I suggest you learn how to set up using different paragraphs.

dude, he's right. I can't........ or don't want to read a bunch of words clumped together.

[Diabolical 0]

I tried but it came out that way. Should have tabbed, but im not an english major, just a fan of poker.

neither am I (did I spell that right?) Just put some spaces from time to time. Not trying to flame. As a matter a fact, I'll help all the newbs. I'm not like all those other vets that think there the shhhiat. I'll put myself out there for anyone who wants to learn. I have a plethora (did I spell that right?) of info to give. And yes, I love to slowplay. I've been told not to do it too much in tourneys. But I find it still works very well against maniacs like ............ well............ some pros who like to play crazy

[doublemeup 0]

I tried but it came out that way. Should have tabbed, but im not an english major, just a fan of poker.

neither am I (did I spell that right?) Just put some spaces from time to time. Not trying to flame. As a matter a fact, I'll help all the newbs. I'm not like all those other vets that think there the shhhiat. I'll put myself out there for anyone who wants to learn. I have a plethora (did I spell that right?) of info to give. And yes, I love to slowplay. I've been told not to do it too much in tourneys. But I find it still works very well against maniacs like ............ well............ some pros who like to play crazy

I never thought i'd see the day!!! A vet who doesn't think hes teh shhiat!!! I was just slowing playing with middle set of Qs in an tournament and guy went runner runner diamond to make the only thing that could give him the win, the flush. :cry:

[timwakefield 68]

Ok folks I want to hear your thoughts on one of the most vital tools a poker player has, the check-raise.

NOTA better play is betting out a monster hand, and if you've been aggressive all night, you'll get action.

[loogie 115]

A better play is betting out a monster hand, and if you've been aggressive all night, you'll get action.

It's not just about check-raising monsters. I check-raise with sets, two pair, high pair, middle pair, no pair...It's about using it at the proper times and controlling the table. In sngs the check-raise can be a very powerful move.

[NoSup4U 0]

I get the sense from the OP that he's not check raising when behind so that he can do it when he's ahead later on.But that seems the opposite to me. It isn't about check raising and winning the pot when the guy folds to your monster, its about making the most money.So to me, if you're going to check raise, I'd would think doing it more often would be better. It allows you to steal pots you have no right to, and sets up your image to be called down when you check raise with your monsters later.(Not advocating this as the 'right' strategy, but just wanted to point out that the goal is to extract the most money, not win the most hands)Mark