Hello,

I’ve been into poker for so long. I actually learned the game as a kid more or less 50 years ago. Well, for me, a weekend home game of 5-7 players was fairly common. Players I remember were mostly middle-aged or older and actually were immigrants. While the games, well mostly draw or 5 or 7 stud, and hi-low.

If I remember it right, check-raising in those games was forbidden. Back then, check-raising was something unethical. Bluffing on the other hand, though sounds ironic, was okay if you don’t do it that much.

As of the moment, I believe check-raising adds to strategy as well as to the enjoyment and fairness of the game. Your thoughts?

Thanks a bunch,
Lowell
Lowell,

Check raising used to be frowned upon and even outlawed in a lot of card rooms. Today, the move is considered a normal part of strategy. In fact, it is a skill that every poker player should utilize in order to make more money.

Related articles:

1. Slowing Down a Lead Bettor and Check Raising the Turn
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3. What’s the Best Thing to Do?

Hello,

I just want to know if how often does a call in position slow down a lead bettor in 6-handed high-stakes online games? And do you think players should expect more bluffs? How about big pots with weak hands, how common are they specifically where players are having a feel on the board texture and then go on in aggression or otherwise?

By the way, about the check-raising the turn without a super strong hand, is this common? It’s very important for me to know as I believe the turn is the most crucial street and it’s actually hard to play one pair hands if you don’t trust your opponent that much.

Thanks in advance. I hope to hear from you in no time.

All the best,
Albert
Albert,

Check raising the turn without a hand again depends on the player. “Durrrr” I could see doing that without blinking. The same with Phil Ivey applies. Phil Hellmuth I wouldn’t expect that out of him that often as he plays very tight and solid.

Related articles:

1. Check-Raising
2. Raising on the Flop with a Flush Draw to Obtain a Free Card
3. About Lead Inserts