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Strategy · 5 min

The check-raise: the play that scares people (when used right)

Checking to then raise is one of the strongest weapons in poker. Here's what the check-raise is, when to do it for value and when as a bluff.

The check-raise is checking so your opponent bets and then raising over the top. It sounds sneaky, and that's why it works: it's one of the most powerful plays from out of position.

For value

You check with a strong hand (a set, two pair), let your opponent bet, and raise to build a big pot. You pull chips from them that they wouldn't have put in if you bet first.

9♥
8♥
5♣
The perfect board to check-raise with a draw: flush and straight draws.

As a semibluff

You can also check-raise with a strong draw (flush + straight draw). You don't need the best hand right now: either your opponent folds, or you complete your draw and win big.

💡 Don't only check-raise with monster hands: you become predictable. Mix in semibluffs to be impossible to read.
🎓 Lesson: the check-raise→

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