How to Check-Raise in Poker

Upswing Poker Level-Up

Imagine a player raises before the flop and you defend your Big Blind. You check on the flop, your opponent bets, and now it's back on you. Your check-raising strategy in situations like this will have a major impact on your overall poker results.

This episode covers:

• Which hands to check-raise
• How often you should check-raise
• The critical factors to consider when considering a check-raise

If you really want to take your poker skills to the next level, head over to UpswingPoker.com. Upswing has hundreds of free articles, free quizzes, affordable crash courses, and advanced training courses that will help you get better at poker.

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Overview of Check Raising

00:46 Opponent's Bet Size Impact

01:36 Flop Texture Considerations

03:30 High Frequency Check Raise Flops and Hand Selection

06:23 Backdoor Equity and Natural Bluffs

07:58 Specific High Frequency Check Raise Boards

10:28 Check Raising with Bottom Pairs and Unnatural Bluffs

13:57 Low Frequency Check Raise Boards and Hand Selection

16:16 Raise Sizing Strategy

19:39 Opponent Tendencies and Exploiting Over C Bettors

Welcome to Upswing Poker Level Up, the poker strategy podcast designed to sharpen your skills and boost your bankroll in under 30 minutes. Hosted by Mike Brady and cash game pro Gary Blackwood, this episode dives into the art of the check-raise.

In this poker strategy podcast, Mike and Gary break down check-raising essentials, starting with a common scenario: a player raises pre-flop, you call from the big blind, and face a bet after the flop. They discuss key factors like opponent's bet size, flop texture, and player tendencies.

Gary emphasizes adjusting your raises based on opponent's bet size. Smaller C bets invite more frequent check-raises, while larger C bets call for selective aggression. They use solver data to show how check-raising percentages vary with different bet sizes and flops.

The podcast highlights the importance of flop texture. Gary explains that some flops favor your range, leading to higher frequency check-raises. They explore boards where check-raises are common, like connected, middling flops, versus ace-king-seven, where check-raises are less frequent.

On hand selection, they dispel the myth that raising strong hands scares off opponents. Balancing your range with strong draws like nut flush and open-ended straight draws is crucial. They discuss prioritizing draws based on equity, using examples to illustrate optimal check-raise hands.

Gary and Mike also delve into less intuitive aspects, like raising bottom pairs and unconventional bluffs. They stress exploiting opponents who over C bet and under float, revealing how strategic check-raising capitalizes on these mistakes.

Lastly, they address raise sizing and opponent tendencies. Gary advises adjusting raise size based on opponent's C bet size and flop characteristics, ensuring you apply the right pressure. They discuss leveraging opponents' tendencies, like over C betting on certain boards.

Tune in to this poker strategy podcast episode to master the check-raise and elevate your game. Don’t miss this chance to refine your skills and dominate the tables with Upswing Poker Level Up.