Beginner's Poker Advice: Calling Versus Raising
by Bodog Poker | Jun 16 2010
Those that are new to online poker or poker in general frequently have trouble knowing exactly when they should call versus when they should raise. This lack of education and insight can derail promising poker players by creating players that are either too conservative to maximize their potential holdings or that lose they bankrolls quickly to poor betting practices. In this piece, we're going to take a look at what you should do before and after the flop occurs.
Calling Versus Raising: Before The Flop
If you are in an early position and are holding cards that are strong to enter the hand this early in the rotation - you are holding A-A, K-K, Q-Q, J-J, 10-10 or suited face cards — you have cards that are strong enough to raise the hand with. In fact, (and contrary to most beginning players' grasp of the basics,) you actually need a stronger hand to call a raise than raise. If you raise in an early position, you may well force other players to fold and be able to walk away with the blinds without much work.
However, if you intend to merely call a hand, you are basically telling the other players that you believe their hand in stronger than yours and that you are going to follow their lead. This may actually be the case and you're interested in seeing how the rest of the line plays out their hands, but exposing this sort of weakness early in a hand can unravel any plans you might have. Of course, if the player after you raises, you're going to have to call that raise to continue playing. Do not be afraid to fold if it gets too rich.
Later positions before the flop get a lot more flexibility about raising because you're dealing with more knowledge: you've seen how other players have reacted to their cards. If players are limping in and you're holding a mixed pair of face cards or an Ace with any kicker, go for it! Push the other players a bit and see if you can push them out in a second round.
Calling Versus Raising: After The Flop
If you raised before the flop and everyone called afterward, it's a good idea to place a continuation bet on the flop. The fact is, the flop misses most people and betting on the flop tells other players that you're confident in your hand. This is going to push other players out of the hand and give you a better shot at the pot. If you limped in and someone bets the flop before it gets to you, consider your hand carefully. If it's strong enough to call on, it's probably strong enough to raise on just to force others to play their hand.
It's key to remember that if you're not sure what to do in a hand, it's preferable to either raise or fold. Calling gives the power to your opponents at the table and a strategic retreat in one hand that saves chips for you to use in hands where you do have the cards that will make your investment in a game worth your while.
