Using the check-call to set up a bluff

The check-call is most often viewed as something a player with a weak hand does when they want to “look up” another opponent because they’re not sure what he or she is holding. In other words the move just screams, “I don’t want you to raise me if I bet so I’m going to check-call you down to the river”. It’s also a popular move for players that on a big draw such as a straight or flush.

Because many experienced opponents will recognize the check-call and put you on a draw, you can use this to your advantage. Let’s assume that you’ve raised pre-flop and get one caller. It doesn’t matter what you’re holding here because you’re setting up a bluff on the turn or river depending on the texture of the flop. The flop brings all low cards but two hearts and you check to your opponent. If he’s holding a hand like pocket 9’s or over cards he may well bet here and if he does you’re calling. The turn is the 5 of hearts putting three hearts on the board with no straight possibilities. You check again only this time after your opponent bets you’re not check-calling, you’re check-raising!

This move now screams to your opponent, “I was chasing the flush with my check-call and I just hit it with that third heart”. Even if he’s holding pockets Kings at this point he may be tempted to fold them as they’re thoroughly dominated here. You should be cautioned that many weaker opponents will call down all day long with a big hand like that, so reads are important at this point. Of course, not all bluffs work perfectly so if he comes back over the top you likely want to fold now. However, when used properly this move can pay big dividends so pick your spot and bluff away!