The Power of the Double-Raise

There are many weapons a poker player can use on the opposition in an intense game where the table is out for blood. The trick is to know when and how to use them to your greatest advantage.

When you are facing a mixed table of superior and average players, as must card rooms feature, you should add the double-raise as a key tool to control the betting and to manipulate the chips into your side of the table.

It has been my experience that the majority of players don't use the double-raise. This can be very costly to your bankroll if you are one of those players.

When I am in a game, I am always aware of where the action is and who is doing the raising. Some players will automatically lodge a raise with any playable hand. It's part of their normal routine, as are the calls of the players.

The betting gets around to you and you find yourself looking at pocket nines. What do you do?

Well, you could call and hope for the flop to include a third nine. You could fold, which would be a mistake. Or you could re-raise, which would be my preference.

By putting in a double raise, you stop fringe players from putting in their chips and taking a chance on the flop. You also put pressure on the original raiser. If he came into the pot with k-j offsuit, it will be difficult for the player to call your raise.

If the original raiser comes back at you with a third raise, he probably has an above average hand. At that point, you're on your own. You can call the re-raise and hope for a third nine or you could smile and fold.

I have been in situations where I folded on the re-raise, only to have the original raiser turn over pocket kings. That's respect and it calls for a smile and a comment like 'Nice hand.' Muck your cards. Don't show them. Ever.

Your re-raise will be especially effective if you do it behind the button. Say the flop comes k-j-j. The other players will probably check to you whereby you can come out betting and watch as they throw away their hands.

Here's another trick. You are on the button and there is a raise from a usual raiser. You look at your hand and find garbage. Why not try a re-raise just because you have the protection of the button? Nothing ventured, nothing gained, and it might just win you a pot.

I still remember that sweet little old lady who I jokingly remarked as I tried to decide whether to sit down next to her, 'Do you check-raise, Ma'am, because if you do....' And her reply, 'Heavens, I don't even raise!' A lot of players think the way she does. Take advantage of that kind of thinking, and watch your bankroll grow.

Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.

(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).