Check Raise Review

What Is a Check Raise ?

A Check-Raise refers to the deceptive play strategy used in Poker games. Also known as Sandbagging, this happens when one player decides to check the cards that he is holding, and then his opponent places a bet. Rather than calling the bet, the betting is returned to the player who checked his cards first.
Basically, to Check-Raise is a way to get as many chips from another player as possible. With this deceptive move at play, it can be implied that even the ‘weaker’ player can gain the upper hand.

Check Raise Explained

Check-Raise is a form of deceptive play – a player should master the bluffing technique to make this strategy work. If you feel that your opponents will fold a stronger raise, then it is best that you quickly act on it. Try to deceive your opponents by appearing as the one with the inferior hand. If they have already thought of you as the player who would not make a direct bet, then it is high time to strike. You get to win the pot unexpectedly, being the one that is supposedly ‘inferior’.

If you have a good hand, the question is whether it is best to reveal it early on, or not. Sometimes it’s best to play on the safe side. You may have a good hand but are you sure that your opponent doesn’t have something to fold and have a stronger raise? It’s your move and so ultimately your decision. However, by doing this, you are somewhat revealing yourself to having a strong hand. The goal for this game is to earn as many chips as possible. Never take risks if you are unsure of something. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Every player must have at least one trick up their sleeve, just waiting for the right time to attack. For some, this deceptive method of Check-Raise is great but not everyone agrees to it. Some professional players disagree with this method, for the reason that instead of deceiving your opponent, you are rather revealing yourself to having a strong hand. If that happens, you will be left with just a small amount to win in the pot. If your attempted bluff didn’t work as expected, it could even give you a deficit that is hard to make and chase after.

Check-Raise is a technique used to intimidate your opponents and the players that have frequently been Checked-Raised. They are less likely to get away with the pot. In some smaller casinos, this technique is banned. It is best to check with the casino first, than getting Checked-Raised yourself.