White Belt Poker

I’m not finding it that easy to work out the quality of the players that I’m up against, but one thing I’ve noticed which separates people is the ability to check-raise.

I think it shows that that person has made the effort to learn about the game to some degree and at the low limit tables I’m on, I’ll instantly give someone respect. I won’t run away from the table, but I’ll be careful not to mess with them and I’ll put it in the notes section for that person.

And what a powerful weapon the check-raise can be.

That pause that you get when someone unexpectedly walks into a check-raise is exhilirating. They don’t know what to do. They feel as if they’ve been tricked, but they’re not quite sure how. What are they supposed to do now? Most will eventually fold if they haven’t been in that situation before. Then they’re frightened of you. The pauses get longer if they’re thinking about betting after you because they don’t know what you’re going to do.

This is my first real glimpse of how a little bit of poker knowledge can really elevate you beyond the people who are just playing for fun.