Calling vs. Raising Preflop

November 20th, 2007 · No Comments

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Lately, I’ve been trying to raise more and call less. Part of a raise or fold strategy. I have to say, for the most part it’s really been working out for me. I’ve been winning more pots uncontested and when I get a caller, I can usually make a continuation bet on the flop (depending on the texture) to win the pot.

Here’s some basic insight that I’ve garnered.

In an unopened pot, it’s better to raise even with a less than stellar starting hands. For instance, if you have something like KQo in late position and everyone folds to you… it’s better to raise than call the BB. Simple reason is that you might win the pot right there.
It forces people to define their hand. A raise allows you to better determine possible hand ranges. A call narrows it and a re-raise really narrows it. Then you can get out for one bet or call and make a determination based on the texture of the flop.
Raising with mediocre hands like KQo disguises your hand. If you hit the flop, you’re more likely to get action, if you miss the flop you can sometimes steal based on the flop texture.
Calling is weak and will make it harder for you to win the pot later on with a steal.

Course, there are a few rules for this.

If the pot has been raised, folding should be your first option unless you have a really good hand or against a VERY loose player.
Never call a raise/re-raise ahead of you with less than AA or KK. And yes, that even means folding QQ… I know it hurts, but just trust me.
Never cold-call without a stellar hand.

When is it okay to just call?

When you’re in the BB, you can just check.
Calling when you’re in the SB. I know some people don’t like this play… but in pot with several limpers, it just makes mathematical sense. Mathematically, I can play any two cards for 1/2 a bet with enough limpers in front of me.
When you’ve got hands that play better with a larger field like JTs… for instance, if everyone calls the BB and you’re in late position, you can just call and hope to get a flop. If you hit, you’ll make a lot of money… if you miss, you can throw you’re hand away cheaply.

All that being said… don’t get loose. Remember to be selective with your aggression and it will pay you back in kind.

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