You've no doubt read numerous pieces about what is known as the 'standard raise' in No-Limit Hold'em.
If action has folded around to you in a $1-$2 No-Limit Hold'em game and you want to raise with a hand like AK, you raise 3x to 4x the big blind -- or $6 to $8 in this example.
- Here is Rule 41 of the TDA: 41: Raises A: A raise must be at least the size of the largest previous bet or raise of the current betting round. If a player raises 50% or more of the previous bet but less than the minimum raise, he must make a full raise. The raise will be exactly the minimum raise allowed.
- If you're talking about no limit holdem, the minimum reraise must equal the current amount to call plus the previous RAISE amount. In other words, if blinds are 1/2, someone calls 2 and someone raises to 7, the minimum reraise amount would be 12 7 (the call amount) plus 5 (the previous raise amount, 7-2). This said, be sure not to say 'call and raise.'.
The correct minimum raise in big bet games (no limit and pot limit) is to increase the amount of the bet by the amount of the previous bet (e.g. Double the previous raise.), or to raise all-in if you do not have enough in your stack to actually double the previous raise. Reference: http://www.learn-texas-holdem.com/how-large-is-the-minimum-raise.htm. Make a deposit of £10 or more as a new PartyCasino player to receive 120 free What Is The Minimum Raise In Texas Holdem spins on Starburst, thanks to an exclusive bonus! Bonus-Metal Casino: 3 Super Wheel Spins + 100% up to £100.
One alternative raising strategy employed my many pro players is the 'min-raise' or minimum raise. Today we will take a look at the min-raise and how to best add it to your poker game.
Min-Raise Explained
The min-raise is as simple as it sounds. You basically raise to two times the big blind. If you were in a $2-$4 cash game, you would raise to $8.
Basically, you're employing a Limit Poker betting strategy in NL Hold'em. However, the reasoning behind using such a tactic is sound.
1. Slow Down Other Players
For starters, it can stop other players from raising.
When a player makes a standard raise, most players are fine with getting the blinds or blinds and antes. Other players know this.
But when you min-raise, a player might mistake your raise as deception and think you might be raising with a premium hand. This forces them to slow down and thus may result in you getting to see a cheaper flop.
2. Great for Post-Flop Play
Next, a min-raise is great for those with strong post-flop play. Most players aren't going to make a ton of mistakes pre-flop but once that board starts to develop, they have a much more difficult time in making the right decisions.
Those that have a strong post-flop game will want to take your opponents to task as often as possible and a min-raise helps you accomplish this.
3. Controlling the Pot
The min-raise will also help you with pot control. Let's assume you're in a tournament with blinds of 25-50. A min-raise is 100.
If you get one caller there's just 200 in the pot and you'll have to put a lot less of your stack at risk when making a continuation bet.
Had you made a standard 4x raise the pot would be 400 on the flop and you can see how this can escalate. The min-raise helps with pot control and will allow you to play more pots past the flop when you're behind.
It also helps you get away from a hand with minimal damage when your opponent makes a hand and starts trying to pump the pot.
Better for Tournaments
As you've probably already guessed, min-raising tends to work better in tournament situations over cash-game situations.
Minimum Raise Texas Holdem Game
When you're in a $1-$2 cash game you'll get a lot more action on a min-raise than you will in a tournament where the blinds and antes escalate.
That's not to say that a min-raise strategy won't help you in cash games, because it may depending on your opponents.
Texas Holdem Minimum Raise
However, many pros employ this strategy more in tournament play because of the value of chips versus those in cash game action.
