Check-raise

A check-raise is a deceptive play in poker where a player checks early in a betting round, hoping another player will open, and then raises that player's bet in the same round. The strategy aims to extract more money from opponents who might bluff or bet with inferior hands, as a direct bet might not be called. In limit games, a successful check-raise increases the pot by two bets, while in no-limit games the raise can be much larger. The play carries risk: if no one bets, the check-raise fails, giving opponents a free card that could improve their hand.

Some home games and small-stakes casino games prohibit check-raises, and it is often disallowed in California lowball. In older poker material and among stud and draw poker players, it is sometimes called sandbagging. Online tracking software can measure how often a player check-raises, helping opponents interpret the strength of their hand. Doyle Brunson has argued that in no-limit hold 'em, check-raising is rarely optimal, as it may reveal a strong hand or allow free cards.