Quote Originally Posted by bjsaust
Think of it this way. I can limp 66 in the CO and continue if I hit a set on the flop, or I can raise 66 in the CO and c-bet regardless of if I hit a set. First way gives me one way to win (and only 1/8 times), second way gives me two ways to win and if I cbet 75% of the time I do that 6/8 times. Also when I hit my set its more hidden, whereas a limper (or limp/caller) who suddenly gets all aggressive is more transparent.

Likewise with pretty much any cards you play PF. Limping will generally only give you one way to win (at least until you get good at postflop poker) whereas raising gives you multiple ways WITH ANY HAND!

Also consider this. Lets say you're playing 10nl. If you limp the button and SB completes, you have a 0.30 pot. If they both check flop and you bluff bet you win .30. However if you raise to 0.35 on the button, the SB folds but the BB calls, you now have a 0.75 pot. Most villains fold to c-bets around 80% of the time, so 4 out of 5 times you c-bet 0.50 you win 0.75 ($3.0) and lose 0.5 once, for $2.50 profit. Thats $5 per 10 times you raise PF and c-bet. That completely disregards the times you actually hit something big when the BB doesnt fold and you play for a bigger pot. At 10nl, thats some pretty nice free money.

So as Hawkfan said, its less about aiming for specific stats, and more just generally its better poker to raise most hands you intend to play. My general feeling though, is that if theres more than 5 difference between the two, its probably not very optimal. So if you're playing 20% of the hands, you should be raising at least 15% of them.
Dude, what you wrote there is pure gold

I've never before seen it put so simply and logically, or maybe I was always too arrogant to accept good advise when I got it. Something just clicked when I read this and I reckon your few paragraphs and my application of what it means will =$$$$ for me. Karma bucks coming your way

Ive just finished a 800 hand session, trying to raise a lot more than I have been. I found that not only was I winning bucketloads of pots with C-bets, but I was also playing better poker. It feels so much better being in charge of the hand than limp/calling with small pairs in MP. Not sure if it makes a difference but over the 800 hands I found my stats for flops seen were 16% rather than the usual 20-22%.

The general advise to aim to play better poker and not focus too much on the stats is noted and heeded also. I dont actually play to get certain stats but Im hoping as I progress I can use them to get an idea of how my game is coming on.

TYVMA