The Flop Raise Trick in Post Flop Poker

Late position is often a good position to play in. It is here we can take advantage of the flop raise trick.

Suppose we are in late position. If the table play is such a way that it has been bet to us, we may raise using a 4-flush hand or else a flexible open-ended straight. It would likely be checked to us when the play gets to the turn to confirm the strength of our hand. This actually works to our advantage because it hides the true nature of our hand.

If many players are still in the hand we may decide to check it and see a free card. By doing so, we keep ourselves from making a small bet. When we raise on the flop that's equal to 2 minimum bets—less than calling on and post-flop on the turn with 3 minimum bets. At this point, even without hitting a draw, we may take the pot with one more bet even if only on player is left in post-flop. A profitable flop raise is possible when three or more people are calling the raise.

The post-flop raise trick is trading a free turn for a fee showdown play. The cost is similar like when we decided to call on the turn and on the river, too, although this move may pressure other players into folding stronger hands. This move also penalizes aggressive draws once the player does not make a hit on the river because they are likely not to call one more bet. If post-flop our play improves and we end up having a better hand on the river, then we can make another bet.

However, once some players decide to re-raise us, this move may not be as effective. But in another sense, it may serve as an eye-opener so we can see what hand we really have and just wisely fold—but it still can cost us similarly like in calling the players down and being beat. Like, say, we have 8/8 and the flop reads 2/5/7 and, as above, one player remains in the hand. Now, for instance, the player decides to check to us on the flop and our post-flop play is betting, and the player calls. Post-flop, on the river, a jack emerges and the player decides to bet. We can then raise the player and check on the river. The flop and post-flop raise trick are good options to consider with the same play cost.