"Raise for the free card"?

I don't really understand the concept of "raising for the free card". I understand it to mean (or could mean) raising in late position after the flop with the idea that after the turn the remaining players will check to you. You would then have the option of taking a free card.

What I don't understand is how this raise prior to the turn influences them to check it to you. Is it because they don't want to bet and be raised and they believe you may do this because of you raised them on the flop?

Thanks!

well this doesnt work as well in small stakes, like .10 / .05 and .25 / .10 games. In NL holdem usually when someone bets on the flop and someone calls out of position they will usually check on the turn.What you said at the end is true too. You want to try to"raise for the free card" when you are last to act on the flop proferably against 1 opponent. Its less likely you will get a free card if there are obvious draws on the flop like two of the same suit or 3 cards connected.

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Originally Posted by SSH

Poker players have a tendency to check to someone who raised on the previous round.

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Originally Posted by SSH

Fearing the strength shown by the raiser, they instinctively check.

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Originally Posted by SSH

Even when someone improves on fourth street, he often does not bet. He anticipates that the flop aggressor will bet, so he checks, hoping to trap the bettor and anyone caught in between for two bets.

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The concept is applicable to limit, where the bet size doubles on the turn. If you're planning to call on the flop and the turn, raising the flop can give you the opportunity to check the turn, costing one small bet less to see the river than just calling. Obviously if you make your hand on the turn you don't need a free card and will bet again.

Check out this really good post:
http://www.flopturnriver.com/phpBB2/...761&highlight=

Thanks everyone! I agree, Courtiebee, that was an excellent post you referenced as well.