The check-raise is a very powerful tool, particularly in No-Limit Hold 'em. Although it can be used with great success, I caution new players to think twice before using it, because it can also cost you a LOT of chips when used incorrectly. In this article, I will go over when to use the check-raise, how to get the most value out of the play and (perhaps the most important) when NOT to use the check-raise.

If you are smart enough to find your way to this site, you probably already know what a check-raise is, but for the sake of formality, I’ll briefly explain. The check-raise is simply a move whereby you check to your opponent with the intention of raising when he bets. This description segues nicely into our first important consideration; the chance of your opponent betting. What you DON’T want to do with a check-raise is allow your opponent to take a free card to beat you. This is why I only use the check-raise against very aggressive opponents and on the right board. For example, if you hold A-A and the flop is K-T-J with 2 spades, you would NOT want to check-raise. Your opponent could have a flush draw or a straight draw and checking here would allow him to check behind you and see a free card. Now, let’s say you have A-A and the board is 3-8-K rainbow. This is the kind of flop you want to check raise, particularly against an aggressive opponent. If you check, an aggressive opponent will not only bet with a K or an 8, but might even try to bluff with A-high. You need to read the board and know a little about your opponent before you can use the check-raise (which is why I cautioned new players earlier). The check-raise is only a long-term profitable play if you think there is a good chance that your opponent would bet on a bluff if it’s checked to him.

Another consideration that is important before you check-raise is how much money your opponent has vs. how much money is in the pot. For example, lets say that you have A-J and raise to $10 preflop with $100 behind. An aggressive player on the button calls, with only $50 behind. The flop is 8-9-K with 2 diamonds. You check, your opponent bets $ $20. If you were to check raise to $60, your opponent would have to call off his last $30 for the chance to win the pot of $76 (assuming blinds are $2/$4). This is giving him well over 2-to-1 odds on his money. In this case, your opponent would have to call with almost any 2 cards. So a check-raise would be a mistake. On the other hand, if your opponent had the same stack as you, a check-raise would likely get him to fold any hand but a K (and would probably get him to fold a few hands with K-weak kicker too!). So you really have to be aware of stack size and pot size when you are considering a check-raise.

Lastly, remember, a check-raise looks very strong. So if you have been playing a hand passively and then suddenly try to check-raise, its going to look very suspicious to anyone who is paying attention. If you limp-in preflop and then check-call a bet on the flop and the turn, a check-raise on the river to bluff is probably not going to work. The later in the hand you try the check-raise, the more you have to ask yourself, “what is this move going to look like to my opponent?” If you have looked weak, your check-raise might look like a bluff. If you have played it strong, your sudden check might look suspicious. The check-raise should be one weapon in a varied arsenal, but not be overused. If you use it too often (even appropriately), your opponents will start to know the strength of your hand every time you use it! Knowing when to check-raise is more about the board and your opponents than your cards. A check-raise is generally designed to get the extra bet out of your opponent, but also to end the hand. And remember, don’t try to outplay people who don’t know what they are doing. Players at lower limits aren’t going to fold top pair or their flush draw no matter WHAT do you, so don’t try to run them off by check-raising on a bluff. When used successfully, the check-raise is very effective at earning you a few extra bets. Learn to use it wisely, learn to read the board and you will find yourself dragging in a lot more pots. Hope this helps and good luck at the tables!