Leading into a Preflop Raiser

When a player makes a preflop raise, it is almost a rule that his opponents will check to him on the flop. Even if the other players make some sort of a hand, they are very likely to check and see what the preflop raiser will do. This is because the raiser has already taken initiative, and likely has position, so other players fear the preflop raiser even if they have made a strong hand.

Another reason people like to check to the preflop raiser is to try and check raise them. Now, this may work in some situations, but it isn’t the correct strategy. If you do check raise, and the other player doesn’t have a hand, they’re going to fold to your check raise.

Now, let’s look at another way to play this hand. If someone flops a strong hand after calling a preflop raise, they should bet right into the preflop raiser. The reason for this is because the raiser has a strong hand, so they are very likely to raise you. When they do this you can re-raise or just call to trap them. Now, let’s compare the two styles of play.

By check raising, you earn the amount that they bet initially, because they’ll most likely fold to your check raise. So, if they made a pot size bet, that’s all you’ll earn. However, when you lead into them with a pot-sized bet, they’ll raise you with another pot-sized bet. This is going to be a much more profitable play then before. Also, you have the option of just calling to trap them.

One great time to do this is when you make a set on a raggedy flop. Say you have 44 and the flop comes down 483 rainbow. By making a bet here, it looks like you’re just bluffing and hoping that the preflop raiser didn’t hit the low cards. Since he thinks you’re just trying to take the pot, he’s very likely to raise you with over cards or an over pair. You can then go all in, as he’ll be pot committed at this point.

Leading into the preflop raiser is one of the strongest plays in no limit Hold’em, and I suggest you try it out. Good luck!