Know when to raise’em


Kenny Rogers magical Poker tune is right on the money – no pun intended.

When it comes to high stakes Texas Hold’em, pushing your chips into the middle of the table requires nerves of steel and good old-fashioned guts. However, knowing when to push those chips across the table requires a fair bit of bluffing and some good observational skills.

Don’t be a Poker Maniac

When a player continues to raise on every turn they quickly become labelled as a maniac. You may win some money in the beginning but eventually opponents become wise to your scheming ways and start planning the trap. Very soon you are going to be handing your chips to your opponents as they take advantage of your predictable pattern.
Sniff out weakness

Raising in Poker Hold’em is a major show of strength and when you push your chips into the middle of the felt table you are simply saying “Back off – I got a strong hand and this pot is mine!”

When you take notice of a player because he or she is timid with their wagers because they spend most of their time checking and calling; this little show of force can often get them to fold their hand and let you take the pot.
 
Keeping up Appearances

How you opponents perceive you is very important and maintaining a show of strength is a major move in any form of Poker. If you constantly raise pots and shoot from the hip like John Wayne, then your will not be taken seriously. The effect will become a wash by your constant use of them.

Playing carefully and selectively however, is a good move on displaying aggression. By playing the image properly you will have your opponents doubling guessing themselves when you raise.  This will make them think twice before calling you.

Making the right choice

The bottom line is raising in Poker is all about knowing and understanding your opponents and how they will perceive you. Its best to remember that the most strength in poker will always come from acting last. If your opponent is weak, you can use this information to raise the pot and get him to back down. But if you are first to act, then you need a stronger hand to raise him because you can’t yet know how he will react. If your opponent re-raises you, you are going to find yourself in a difficult spot.