[erdiesel]

Sorry for what might be a lame question, but when people refer to the "standard" pre-flop raise of 3x BB, do they mean the raise amount or raise to amount? For example, if the BB is 100:

When people talk about standard 3x BB raise, are they referring to 300 or 400?

300 to go because 3 x 100 = 300 (raise to 3x BB)

or

400 to go because 3 x 100 = 300 (raise of 3x BB) + 100 BB

I believe that people refer to the first method above, where standard 3x BB raise pf means "raise to" 3x BB. Just want to make sure.

Sorry for the silly question

[ontheuptick]

First method.

3x the bb refers to exactly that, 3x the bb. Not 3x the bb plus the bb.

[hachkc]

Personally, I prefer the I raise it to 4bb instead of saying I raise an add'l 3bb.

Also, I consider 4bb the std. preflop raise. This obviously varies by game as there isn't a standard raise but some defaults are better then others.

[jdunford]

Originally Posted by ontheuptick

First method.

3x the bb refers to exactly that, 3x the bb. Not 3x the bb plus the bb.

Exactly. When people say "3xBB raise" they mean raise of 2xBB to 3xBB, even though that's not what is said.

By the way, I play 10¢/25¢ NL online and nobody raises to 3xBB (75¢). If they do, it's treated like a min-raise and most often results in a family pot. My standard pre-flop raise is to $1 in early position (sometimes $1.25 or $1.50 if it's a particularly loose table, especially if I'm holding KK or QQ; more likely to isolate), and to $1.25 (5xBB) from middle/late position in an unopened pot. Raise is bigger if there have been limpers or raisers ahead of me. I almost never raise to 75¢ (maybe with a small pair from the button or something... very rare).

Ditto with my 25¢/50¢ NL live games. It's pretty rare to see a raise to $1.50 (although it does happen occasionally). Usually it's to $1 (the min-raise), $2, orr $3 to open; up to $4 or $5 if there have been limpers; up to $6-$10 if it's a re-raise. But if your opponents are very tight-passive, you might not need to risk more than a 3xBB raise.


Last night I was playing at a 10¢/25¢ NLHE table (online) where the standard pre-flop raise was to $2 (8xBB)... and somebody raised every pot, hand after hand, orbit after orbit. It didn't take me long to work my buy-in up to $100 at that table.

[erdiesel]

Thanks guys, another follow up question:

in a casino if the bb is 100 and pf i simply say "Raise, 500" I assume the dealer would take that to be Raise to 500 to go? As opposed to a Raise "of" 500, to make it 600 to go? This would apply to bets post flop as well where if someone throws out a 100 post flop bet, and I say the same thing above. We all take it to mean Raise to as opposed to a raise of (on top of the initial bet).

[jojobinks]

you don't need to verbalize it at all, provided you use more than one chip. at casino tournaments i never verbalize it if i don't have to (allin, or if i only have oversized chips).

[hachkc]

Originally Posted by jojobinks

you don't need to verbalize it at all, provided you use more than one chip. at casino tournaments i never verbalize it if i don't have to (allin, or if i only have oversized chips).

While true, its good practice to always verbalize your intentions even if its just the word raise and no specific dollar amount; makes it easier for everyone involved.

[erdiesel]

Originally Posted by hachkc

While true, its good practice to always verbalize your intentions even if its just the word raise and no specific dollar amount; makes it easier for everyone involved.

So when you say "Raise....then amount" then it means Raise to? Or a Raise of?

thanks

[ipgyst]

Originally Posted by erdiesel

Thanks guys, another follow up question:

in a casino if the bb is 100 and pf i simply say "Raise, 500" I assume the dealer would take that to be Raise to 500 to go? As opposed to a Raise "of" 500, to make it 600 to go? This would apply to bets post flop as well where if someone throws out a 100 post flop bet, and I say the same thing above. We all take it to mean Raise to as opposed to a raise of (on top of the initial bet).

I would say "raise it to ####" where #### is your intended bet. You could also say "make it ####". If you just said "raise ####" or "raise of ####" there is some room for interpretation and you don't want to mess up and give information away.

[jojobinks]

Originally Posted by hachkc

While true, its good practice to always verbalize your intentions even if its just the word raise and no specific dollar amount; makes it easier for everyone involved.

i'd say it just complicates things. when you don't verbalize, it's unquestionable and clear. my bet is the amount of chips in front of me. especially in a casino, where the dealer runs the table and will clarify if needed, it's generally in your best interest to not speak unless you need to.

deisel: "raise...500" is generally accepted to mean that the bet is now 500 to go. if you felt the need to say more, you could say "500 to go" or "500 straight" or "500 all day".