The act of raising in poker can be viewed as a refined skill. While it might appear to be a simple task, the critical factors of when and how much to raise play a significant role in your chances of winning. Many newcomers often struggle with the timing aspect.
This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the nuances surrounding re-raising in poker.
We will examine the following key topics.
What does it mean to re-raise in poker?
Why is re-raising important in poker?
Calculating minimum re-raise size.
Terminology: “raise” vs “re-raise”
Understanding 2bets, 3bets and 4bets
Strategy: Common raise sizes utilized in poker.
What does it mean to re-raise in poker?
Re-raise
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Raising following a previous raise that has already occurred during the current betting round.
For example -
Player A bets.
Player B raises.
Player A re-raises.
At times, the terms 'raise' and 're-raise' might be used interchangeably, a topic we will clarify in the section Terminology: 'raise' vs 're-raise'.
Why is re-raising important in poker?
Controlling the pot size is one of the fundamental abilities a player must develop, irrespective of the type of poker being played. The main objective of a skilled poker player is to enlarge the pot when they believe they have a strong hand while minimizing it when holding moderate or weak cards. poker Although this overview provides a general understanding of the game, grasping the concept of optimal pot size significantly contributes to making sound decisions in various poker situations.
Raising and re-raising serve as pivotal strategies aimed at enhancing the pot size. Without the ability to re-raise, players would find it difficult to achieve their optimal pot size for each hand, resulting in a negative impact on their overall win rate.
The specific amount for a raise will be influenced by the betting structure in place for the game being played.
There are three main types of betting structures:
Fixed Limit – Raises and re-raises occur in predetermined increments.
Pot Limit – The most you can raise or re-raise is determined by the current pot size.
No Limit – There are no restrictions on how much you can raise or re-raise.
Determining the Minimum Re-raise Size in Fixed Limit Games
In fixed-limit games, there is a singular size option for re-raises, which also acts as the maximum size for a raise. The defined size of the re-raise will depend on the small bet or the big bet applicable in the game (All fixed-limit games utilize both small and big bet sizes).
In a typical Hold'em game, a small bet is applied during the flop, while a big bet is used on the turn and river. street (betting round); it will either be the small bet A small bet is employed in the third and fourth streets, while a big bet comes into play starting from the fifth street.
Community card games such as Omaha The small bet is utilized in the initial two rounds, transitioning to a big bet for the following two rounds.
Stud gamesà
A small bet applies in the first betting round, with a big bet introduced in the second.
Triple draw gamesà
Determining Minimum Re-raise Sizing in No Limit and Pot Limit Games
Single draw gamesà
The same principles apply to calculating minimum re-raise sizes across both no limit and pot limit formats.
Our raise must be at least equal to the previous re-raise size.
No Limit and Pot Limit games For instance, if an opponent increases our bet by 8bb, our minimum re-raise will also need to be an additional 8bb. This might appear straightforward yet often leads to misunderstandings.
Basic re-raise rule
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A prevalent myth is that your new bet must be at least twice the previous bet size, which is not accurate.
Example 1 (Hold’em) – During a $1/$2 game, the button raises to $6. The small blind folds. What should the minimum re-raise size be for the big blind?
Some individuals might incorrectly conclude that the answer is $12 as it represents an additional $6 on the button's open raise. However, it’s vital to recognize that the button raised only $4 (not $6) because the big blind's post of $2 was the original bet.
Hence, with the button raising the big blind's post by $4, the minimum raise from the big blind is actually $10 (which includes the original $6 raise).
Example 2 (Hold’em) – In the described flop scenario, ascertain the legal minimum re-raise size for the button.
Here, the button's raise has lifted the big blind by $6, which means the minimum legal re-raise size for the big blind also stands at $6, bringing the total raise size to $18.
Determining the Maximum Legal Re-raise Size
$12 in the middle on the flop.
BB bets $6.
BTN raises to $12.
BB?
Establishing the maximum legal re-raise amount is straightforward in both fixed-limit and no-limit formats.
Players cannot re-raise beyond the small or big bet amount (dependent on the current betting round).
There is no restriction on the maximum re-raise a player can make, though they are limited to raising no more than the chips they possess at the table. Once a player has committed all their chips, they are entitled to continue playing.
Fixed Limit
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Note that additional re-raises involving extravagant elements like cars or yachts are largely fictional and against the rules.
No Limit
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Calculating maximum raise amounts in pot-limit games entails greater complexity, a topic we'll unravel shortly. showdown Calculating a pot-sized raise is an area where players frequently miscalculate. Are you up for a challenge? Try answering the following question.
Example (Pot Limit Omaha) – In the provided flop scenario, determine the button’s highest legal re-raise size.
Calculating a Pot Sized Raise
Take a brief moment to jot down your answer before moving forward.
The secret to working out a pot-sized re-raise follows this guideline.
$12 in the middle on the flop.
BTN bets $6
BB raises to $12
BTN?
First, imagine we call and see what the pot size totals.
In this scenario, should we call, there would be $36 in the pot (including the existing $12). Consequently, the highest allowable raise would then be an additional $36 for a total re-raise of $48.
As it's easy to miscalculate, it might be helpful to validate our answer using a simple method. If our raise amount is accurate, the big blind should receive exactly 33% pot odds for the call. Let’s double-check.
If the button re-raises to $48, the big blind would need to contribute an additional $36 to make the call. Thus, there would be a total of $108 in the middle ($48 + $48 + $12), confirming that $36 indeed accounts for 33% of the total pot, validating that $48 is a pot-sized raise.
It’s noteworthy that re-raising isn't always permissible in poker, even when you still have chips left in your stack. Two significant situations where this occurs include:
- The betting ceiling is hit in a fixed-limit structure.
When Re-raising is Illegal
- An opponent is all-in with less than the minimum legal raise amount.
Let’s analyze these scenarios further.
Hitting the Betting Ceiling (Fixed Limit)
There is a cap on the number of times re-raises can occur within a fixed-limit betting setup. (Elsewise, players might continuously re-raise each other until all chips are in play.)
This limitation can differ, but typically it is one bet and three raises .
For example, consider an instance from the fourth street in fixed-limit stud. (Stud is predominantly played with a fixed-limit betting structure.)
Player A is now restricted to simply calling or folding; re-raising is not an option.
This limitation on re-raises is referred to as the
Player A bets $2.
Player B raises to $4.
Player A re-raises to $6.
Player B re-raises to $8.
Previously, we discussed minimum legal raise sizes for pot-limit and no-limit games. Notably, there exists an exception: If a player desires to raise but their stack falls short of the minimum legal raise amount, they are still allowed to do so,
However, if a player has already matched the previous bet for that betting round, they can only either call or fold when faced with an all-in shove. cap .
The Action is Not Reopened
Example – In the following hand scenario, identify which players can re-raise in response to the all-in shove? shove all-in .
Firstly, the legal minimum raise size after player B's bet is set at $24 (an increment of $12). Player C, however, does not possess that amount in their stack, but is allowed to go all-in with their remaining chips.
Let’s see a quick example:
On the other hand, player A has the option to re-raise if they choose.
Hold’em (No Limit)
Remaining Effective Stacks
Player A $100
Player B $100
Player C $20
Player A checks.
Player B bets $12
Player C shoves all-in for $20.
If player A decides to call, then player B is not allowed to re-raise. Player B initiated the previous bet of $12.
Since no legal raise has occurred since he placed the $12 bet, player B is not entitled to re-raise.
- Fixed limit raises occur in specific increments linked to either the small or big bet.
Join us as we explore the intricate strategies involved in raising and re-raising in poker. We'll cover various aspects of the game, including the tactics for 2bets, 3bets, 4bets, and much more related to these actions.
Raise Rules Summary
The Comprehensive Handbook for Mastering Raises and Re-Raises in Poker
Join us as we navigate through the nuances of re-raising. We will examine tactics for 2bets, 3bets, 4bets, and plenty more connected to this concept.
Discover How to Perfect Your Re-Raising Skills Like the Pros!
Understanding the Basics of Raising & Re-Raising in Poker: A Step-by-Step Guide
Mastering the art of raising in poker involves finesse. While it may appear to be a simple action, the effectiveness truly hinges on both the size and timing of your raise, which can make all the difference. New players often grapple with when to make their bets.
This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the re-raising concept within the context of poker.
We will focus on the following topics.
Terminology: Raise vs Re-raise
Strategy: What should be my ideal raise size?
Strategy: Common raise sizes in poker gameplay.
To make a raise after another player has already raised during the current betting round. raise In some discussions, the terms 'raise' and 're-raise' might be used synonymously, as will be explained in the section Terminology: The difference between 'raise' and 're-raise'.
Managing pot size effectively is one of the key competencies in poker, regardless of the variation being played. A skilled player must know when to increase the pot with strong hands and when to control it with weaker or mid-strength holdings.
While this overview simplifies the game, grasping the concept of optimal pot size can lead to significantly better decision-making in most poker situations.
Utilizing raising and re-raising tactics is essential for increasing the pot size. Without the ability to re-raise, players would find it challenging to achieve their ideal pot sizes for various hands, which could negatively impact their win rates.
The precise amount for raising depends on the specific betting structure of the game.
What are 2bets, 3bets and 4bets?
There are three main types of betting structures:
1bet – The first bet.
2bet – The first raise.
3bet – The second raise (re-raise)
Fixed Limit – All raises and re-raises occur in predetermined increments.
Pot Limit – The maximum amount for a raise or re-raise is equivalent to the current size of the pot.
No Limit – There are no caps on the amount that can be raised or re-raised.
What is a Limp Re-raise?
Calculating the Minimum Re-Raise Size in Fixed Limit Games
What is a Back Re-raise?
In fixed-limit games, there's only one size available for re-raises, which also establishes the maximum possible raise size. This value is determined by the small bet or the big bet . All fixed-limit games have at least a small and a big bet size. 4bet For instance, in Hold’em, a small bet is utilized on the flop, while a big bet applies to the turn and river.
A small bet is used for the third and fourth streets, with a big bet applied from the fifth street onward.
Small bet is in effect during the first and second betting rounds; big bet applies in the third and fourth rounds.
A small bet is used in the first round, while a big bet is used in the second round.
Determining Minimum Re-Raise Sizing for No Limit and Pot Limit Games
Both game types adhere to the same guidelines regarding minimum re-raise sizes, regardless of specific variations. semi-bluffing ”.)
Our raise must be at least the amount of the prior re-raise.
If an opponent raises by 8bb, then the minimum re-raise amount must be an additional 8bb on top of that. Though it appears simple, it often leads to confusion among players.
A common misunderstanding is that the new bet must be at least twice the previous bet size, which is incorrect.
Example 1 (Hold’em) – In a game with blinds of $1/$2, if the button raises to $6, and the small blind folds, what is the minimum legal re-raise size for the big blind?
Some might mistakenly believe the answer is $12 because it includes an additional $6 on top of the button’s raise. However, remember that the button isn’t actually raising by $6, but is incrementing by $4 since the big blind had already placed $2 in the pot.
Standard Raise Sizings
Therefore, the button raises the big blind’s contribution by $4, which makes the minimum re-raise for the big blind $10 (adding $4 to the button’s $6 raise).
Example 2 (Hold’em) – In a specific flop situation, determine the legal minimum re-raise amount for the button. No Limit Holdem Here, the button has raised the big blind by $6, indicating that the minimum legal re-raise for the big blind is also $6, bringing the total raise to $18.
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Street |
Standard Sizings |
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Preflop |
Calculating the Maximum Legal Re-Raise Size Finding the maximum legal re-raise size is clear-cut within fixed-limit and no-limit games. |
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Flop |
Re-raises involving luxury items like cars or yachts are typically fictitious and not allowed by the rules. |
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Turn |
Example (Pot Limit Omaha) – In this flop scenario, what is the maximum legal re-raise amount for the button? |
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River |
Think about what the total pot amount would be if we call first. |
