Check-Raise Semi-Bluff

[silverfist]

I'm thinking of making this standard procedure when I get a good draw. It adds some aggression to my game and gives me more chips when I hit. The idea is to use it on OESDs and flush draws against one opponent (it's too dangerous against two). Here's an example:

PokerStars No-Limit Hold'em Tourney, Big Blind is t50 (6 handed) FTR converter on zerodivide.cx

saw flop|saw showdown

Button (t3165)
SB (t1225)
Silverfist (t1370)
UTG (t4815)
MP (t2270)
CO (t655)

Preflop: Silverfist is BB with 4, 3.
1 fold, MP calls t50, 3 folds, Silverfist checks.

Flop: (t125) 6, T, Q (2 players)
Silverfist checks, MP bets t50, Silverfist raises to t175, MP calls t125.

Turn: (t475) 2 (2 players)
Silverfist bets t235, MP folds.

Final Pot: t710
Main Pot: t475 (t475), won by Silverfist.
Pot 2: t235 (t235), returned to Silverfist.

Here's how the semi-bluff works:

On the flop:

I check.

If he bets, I raise the size of the pot or thrice his bet, which ever is higher. If he raises, I check the pot odds and see if it's worth calling. If it's not, I fold.

On the turn:

I bet the turn no matter what. If I miss, it's a semi-bluff. If I hit, it's a value bet. The only exception is if the flop went check-check and I hit on the turn. Then, I'll try check-raising again. People tend to bet when you check to them twice.

On the river:

If I haven't hit my hand by the river, I'm done with the hand. If I've hit my hand by the river, I'll bet the hand for whatever I think I can sell it for.

Anyway, I'd like some opinions on this play. I've been goofing around with it, and it's been fairly effective so far.

[bearcats05]

i guess if your opponet is tight you could try this, but you shouldnt do it all the time.... it would be ok if you mix it in there every once in awhile on a draw against a tight opponet.

[homerdash]

While you need to switch it up from time to time so your opponents can't get accurate reads, one of the main reasons to checkraise a drawing hand out of position on the flop is to get a free card on the turn if you don't hit.

[Fortune 500]

While you need to switch it up from time to time so your opponents can't get accurate reads, one of the main reasons to checkraise a drawing hand out of position on the flop is to get a free card on the turn if you don't hit.

Or to just take down a pot right there and not have to worry about all that pesky "hitting an out" crap.

[aislephive]

I might check the turn to give him a chance to represent the flush. But I'm not too thrilled about check-raising here. You're out of position and you only have the flush draw. If I had a gutshot as well or two overcards it's a much better play. In position I raise with something like an open ended straight draw or a flush draw because I can take a free card off if I'd like because they'll probably check to you. If you don't hit your flush on the turn and he calls your semi-bluff, you are in bad shape if you don't hit your flush. It's a decent play, but I'd probably come out firing on the flop or check-call.

[locks1018]

I think it's a nice play but must be used in moderation. The concept of buying a free card is not really there and you must know you have a tight player who has the ability to lay down a hand. If Im check-raised on the flop, Im thinking you have wither a set or a flush draw. If you don't lead out, I dont think you're gonna check-raise me on the turn as well and If you dont bet I'm gonna assume it was flush draw and bet pot. ( I could be wrong in this instance but hopefully im not). Depending on the strength of your bet on the turn, (if your bet represents what I consider to be beating me), then i would fold. Underbet and you'll get a call and the only way you'll be able to win then is if you can luff them out which is most unlikely

[zenbitz]

I like it against the super weak min-bet on the flop. Not so much against a value bet. You will end up losing alot of chips to KJ when you miss.

I also think it's g00t against a pre-flop limper, although you run the risk of drawing near dead to a better flush draw!