Absolutely right acg123. So easy (and so wrong) to just bet because you have strength without thinking about what you're trying to achieve across the table.

Clearly the Raise is the most problematic response though also the rarest at small stakes.
Call.. it certainly helps to have a plan (based on an idea of what his calling range will be) but that's also often dependent on the next card.
Fold there's nothing to think about: next hand.

So.. First plan for Fold cos that's out of the way before you start :P
I'm not convinced timing order is important though: you should think about both Raise and Call before you bet.

Raise is clearly the answer you are looking for because it puts more money at stake right now, puts you to an extra decision without any more cards and is also most easily (commonly) overlooked as something to plan for.


I'm with ACG though: think not about what he can do with your bet but what your bet can do to him (/his range).

[now I suppose I have to go see if I made a fool of myself ]