Check-raise
A check-raise in poker is a round of deceptive play where a player initially checks to broadcast a sense of “wait-and-watch” to the other players when in fact, the player is hoping that someone else opens up the betting so that s/he can raise the pot further by raising over the new bet amount.
When a player believes that her/his opponent has inferior cards, to not scare them into folding, the player will not place any bets to start with. By bluffing about the strength of her/his own hand, the player gives the opposing player a false sense of security that may result in a bet from the opponent.
If everyone checks on their turns and the only player with a strong hand places a bet, then there is a strong possibility that the others might fold leaving just one bet in the pot. However, if the player with the strong hand decides to let somebody else place a bet first, and then raise that amount, then effectively, the player is able to bring in 2 bets instead of one, raising the amount further than it would have been.
There is a strong chance for this play to fail as well especially if no one decides to place a bet. The bet may also fail if the person who places the first bet has a stronger hand. A failed check-raise play may allow other players to move on to the draw and see cards on the flop, turn or river that may improve their hands considerably even. Also, the popularity of the move has made it quite obvious amongst players, making it extremely easy to pick.
Some forms of poker like the California lowball and some small-stakes games in casinos do not allow the check-raise style of play to be put into use. The reason is primarily that check-raises are used as intimidation tactics by players, leading to opponents getting scared about placing bets or even raising.
Forrige begrep: Check out, Neste begrep: Check
