Thoughts on preflop raise amounts

I saw that there was a mini-debate in the iopq thread between rilla and muzzard about raising semi-random amounts versus following a strict formula. Since I didn't want to hijack the thread, I decided to make a new thread where people could debate this. Here are my thoughts:

I find that people play somewhat differently against me when I'm raising in semi-random amounts instead of following a 3+1 or 4+1 formula. I don't really understand it but people tend to play back at me a lot less when I do so. Maybe players get an image of me as a trickier player.

More important than this psychological effect on my opponents, I feel that raising semi-random amounts preflop helps keep me interested in the game. It makes me think about stack sizes, pot sizes, and position all in a way conducive to me extracting the most from my opponent/losing the least. Having to type in a strange amount makes me more focused on the action whereas rolling the wheel on my mouse and hitting bet somehow makes it feel okay to open a browser window to pass the boredom until the flop (this probably sounds ridiculous to some but I know others will empathize).

Either way, I think, is an effective way to make sure that you're not giving away any information to observant opponents from your preflop raise amounts.

Agreement? Dissension?

i made a thread about preflop raises too. check it out here, theres some good stuff

http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...ng-t79011.html

i generally just go for the 4x+1. it just makes things standardized and so much easier when i'm multi tabling

For the most part, I start every table raising 4BB+1BB/limper, max 8BB pre-flop. I'll keep this strategy for the entire session at a standard table with mostly 20/10s where I want to isolate.

That being said, poker is not a static game. I always adjust my pre-flop play to the table after about 30 hands. With 2-3 stations, I want to keep my PF raise within their calling range. Sometimes it's 2BB, others it's 8BB. It's whatever it takes to get them to Valuetown.

I also think that your PF raising size isn't nearly as important as the hands you are raising. Sometimes I'll shown down with mid pair when I know I'm beat because it gets the villans opening up my range. If my percieved range is greater than my actual range for most hands, I can get more action on 4th and 5th street.

I just like raising 2.66 bbs one hand and 3.13 the next. It enables me to bet odd amounts post flop and not look strange. Takes a level of autopilot out of my play. Of course, it's not advice that I'd hammer home as important. It's just something I do and I don't think people are making a mistake with a little variety.

It doesn't matter much at micros because people don't pay enough attention, and can't hand read anyway. I don't personally like 3bb pre because it leaves too much behind for overpairs and TPTK type hands.

I usually raise 4bb+1, will raise 3bb+1 after very passive players with hands that play well with higher SPR.

I raise more the lower the stakes I play. Usually pot is fine and 3.5xbb in SB when opening. Depending on who's in the blinds you can minraise/2.5bb.

i just hit bet-pot
too lazy to think for myself

Originally Posted by daven

i just hit bet-pot
too lazy to think for myself

i always hit that button when playing FTP play money

too bad my real money account is on stars and theres no bet pot button haha

I play micro at the moment, and definately find that I need to raise bigger amounts pre-flop.

In the micros at the room I play, I'll get 6/8 callers by just going 2-3BB. Hence, I'm now raising 4-5 +1 just to get the random crap out of the way...

Originally Posted by daven

i just hit bet-pot
too lazy to think for myself

yeah me too
although I 3b smaller than pot

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