Article updated on March 18, 2025
This piece will explore the protocols surrounding raises and re-raises in poker. poker .
Prior to delving into an in-depth discussion on this topic, poker term take a moment to see if you can answer these inquiries:
- What is the formula for determining the minimum allowable raise in No-Limit poker games?
- How can we figure out a pot-sized raise in pot-limit games?
- Under what conditions can re-raising be deemed illegal?
- What is the “cap” in a limit game?
- What is cap poker?
What is the Minimum Raise in Poker?
In No-Limit poker games It's essential to keep in mind that there is a minimum size requirement for raises. The smallest raise must match the amount of the previous raise, rather than simply being double the prior bet.
For instance, if a player makes a 3bb raise from the button in No-Limit Hold'em, the minimum re-raise would be 5bb, not 6bb.
This is due to the fact that the 3bb raise is actually an increase of 2bb over the last bet (which was the 1bb big blind). The original player can then legally re-raise to a total of 7bb after facing a 5bb raise.
On the flop, if the first player bets 8bb, then a subsequent raise must be at least 16bb since the initial bet was an 8bb increase from the starting bet of 0bb on the flop.
A re-raise (or 3bet) during the flop must therefore have a legal minimum of 24bb (which is an additional 8bb on top).
Calculating Pot-Sized Raises
Many players struggle with calculating pot-sized raises accurately. This is especially common among online players, as the software tends to handle pot-sized raises automatically for them.
Live players, including some of the best poker players of all time Players who engage in live games usually become adept at the calculations needed for pot-sized raises since there's a greater need for manual computation.
Illustration – Suppose there is $10 in the pot after the flop in a game Texas Hold’em game.
- If Villain places a bet of $5 into the pot, how do we determine the amount for a pot-sized raise?
At first, one might think that with $15 in the pot, a proper pot-sized raise would be $20, but that's incorrect.
The key is to visualize that we first call and then assess the total size of the pot after our call. By doing this, if we called, the pot would then be $20, which is the figure we use for establishing a pot-sized raise.
- We’d raise by $20 for a total bet size of $25.
We can affirm this raise amount by examining the pot odds our opponent would have when facing such a raise.
If we set our raise correctly, our opponent should encounter precisely a 2:1 situation (33.333%). poker probability on a call.
Can You Re Raise in Poker? Not Always!
It's important to recognize that re-raising isn't always permissible, even in No-Limit games where players possess extra stacks. Each poker cheat sheet must take this vital exception into account.
This situation occurs when an opponent has pushed all-in, but their shove is below the minimum legal raise size.
Example – During a No-Limit game, three players are on the flop:
- Player A ($100)
- Player B ($100)
- Player C ($18)
- Player D ($100)
Player A makes a bet of $10. Player B calls that bet. Player C then goes all-in for $18.
In this case, what constitutes the minimum raise in poker? It is $10, bringing the overall bet to $20.
- Player C receives an exemption as their remaining stack is only $18.
- However, since Player C's raise does not meet the required minimum legal size for the raise, Players A and B are left with the choice to either call or fold to Player C's all-in raise.
This ruling exists partly because they have already participated in the hand and chose to call. If there were another player behind them who had yet to act, they would be able to re-raise (with a minimum total raise amounting to $30).
There are, of course, various reasons that could render a re-raise illegal. For instance, if we’re in a heads-up position and our opponent has gone all-in, we won't have the opportunity to re-raise due to the table stakes regulations.
Additionally, we might find ourselves in a game governed by fixed-limit betting, where we have already hit the maximum number of bets allowed.
The \"Cap\" in Limit Games
In most limit games, there is a cap on how many bets and raises can occur during each street, typically limited to four (one bet and three raises).
Example on the flop:
- Player A bets $2.
- Player B raises to $4.
- Player A re-raises to $6.
- Player B re-raises to $8.
Once the fourth bet is on the board, Player A can only choose to call or fold, as the cap has been reached. This limitation in limit games is distinct from the concept of 'cap poker', which relates mainly to no-limit and pot-limit formats.
Cap Poker Explained
'Cap poker' refers to a cash game style where arbitrary effective stack limits are set. For example, in a game with a 40bb cap, players are allowed to put in a maximum of 40bb in any single hand. poker hand .
In this format, players are free to buy in for larger amounts, yet these additional stacks won’t change the dynamics of the effective stacks, which will remain capped at 40bb. Once this limit is attained, any further raises are treated as illegal since players would effectively be considered 'all-in'. poker chip values Skilled players don't wonder, 'Is it permissible to re-raise in poker?' They continuously stay informed about all the possible legal moves, even when the rules might seem somewhat ambiguous.
Best Re-Raise Poker Strategy
For example, when facing a push from a short stack on the flop, our
decision whether to call is influenced by whether players behind us have the opportunity to legally raise or only to call. (The last thing we want is to make a call only to get forced off our hand by those coming after us). GTO poker This consideration might be more evident in an online context, but recognizing legal raise situations in a live game environment often requires some quick mental calculations.
In pot-limit variants such as PLO, players should familiarize themselves with how to perform calculations for pot-sized raises for a couple of primary reasons:
It's both inconsiderate and bothersome to ask the dealer about it at each hand.
- Furthermore, seeking the dealer’s assistance may inadvertently signal your intentions.
- Contrary to some tactics, simply betting or raising the pot size isn’t always the best course of action just due to the nature of pot-limit play.
When strategizing our re-raise approach, we should take into consideration the various raise amounts ranging from a minimum raise to the maximum pot size.
Re-raises typically occur in increments reflecting the small or big blinds.
Re-Raise Poker Rules Summary
Fixed Limit –
While re-raises can be any amount, they are ultimately constrained by the size of the effective stacks available.
Pot Limit –
In no-limit formats, the smallest permissible raise corresponds to the amount of the last raise, rather than being double the last bet.
No Limit –
In instances where a player is all-in, re-raises that fall below the minimum legal requirement may still be triggered.
- Typically, raises that do not meet the minimum legal raise size won’t reopen the betting action.
- Fixed limit games have restrictions on betting, capping the number of re-raises permissible per street.
- Frederico, a passionate poker player, shares intriguing topics related to the game on our blog. You'll regularly find articles discussing strategies, tips, news, or fascinating trivia here at 888Poker.
- 888poker-EGR-logo-Mobile-Header-2021-white
Originally published on June 1, 2019
See Also
Bet , Call , Raise , Check , Check-raise , Fold , Cold-call , Three-bet , Four-bet , Five-bet , Action , Table Stakes , Cap