Using the check-raise to gain information

A prim and proper type might say it’s actually quite “rude” to check-raise an opponent in a friendly poker game. However, when you’re playing online at a site like Full Tilt Poker and there’s a final table in sight or real money is on the table, all bets are off! All kidding aside the check-raise is a powerful weapon in your arsenal when used properly. In the right situation, this move can prove very beneficial.

Take the following scenario:

You’re dealt pocket Jacks in middle position and make a raise to 6X the big blind. You find a caller from the button and the blinds fold. The flop comes Q 5 3 and the action is on you. As you try to replay the hand so far and put your opponent on a range of hands consider using the check raise here as a way to gain information. Let’s assume that your opponent is holding a big pre-flop hand like A K and completely missed this flop. By checking to him you’re signaling one of two things –

1. That you missed the flop or
2. That your under pair feels vulnerable now because of the Queen on the board.

By checking to him, you’re giving him an opportunity to continuation bet here. Most players with A K will do just that. When the action comes back to you and you execute a check-raise you can now gain the missing information you seek. He’s now put to a decision and based on his actions, you can play the rest of the hand accordingly. A call from him signals perhaps more strength than you had thought, or perhaps he has caught the Queen. A reraise from him is a dire sign that you’re behind in the hand and at this point, you should let the Jacks hit the muck with relative ease. Of course, anything is possible in poker but hopefully this high level overview gives you an idea on how to effectively use this tool in your poker game.