Betting actions
Check-raise in poker
Definition
To check and then raise after an opponent bets, which shows strength or bluffs with a good draw.
Check-raising is the main weapon of the player out of position because it takes the initiative back. It can be done with strong made hands for value and with draws as a semi-bluff.
A player who never check-raises is easy to read; a player who check-raises too often is easy to exploit by calling.
Related terms
- CheckTo pass the action to the next player without betting, which is only possible when no one has bet yet in the round.
- RaiseTo increase the size of the current bet, forcing the other players to put in more to stay in the hand.
- Out of position (OOP)Acting before your opponent on the current betting round, so you must decide without seeing what they will do.
- Slow playPlaying a strong hand passively with checks and calls to induce bluffs or keep weaker hands in the pot.