[LearnedfromTV]

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Since check-raising is presumably the 'better' option, should I just go ahead and check-raise?

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Thge idea that checkraising is better than check calling or check folding here, and that the other two are worse options that you should use only to randomize is wrong. Leading into a preflop raiser with a set is a great way to get there stack. CRing is frequently the worst way.

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One thought on this. I tend to like leading into the raiser with a set but I do play it differently sometimes. I think choosing to mix it up in a particular case should be done for a combination of game-theoretic and opponent-specific reasons.

Meaning - You often are at a table long enough for opponents to notice how you play certain hands. I'd rather have someone see me c-r a set once and lead into the raiser twice, rather than do the same thing three times. But which time I choose to checkraise will often be opponent specific. Say there's an ace on board and I expect someone to threebet push me with TPTK b/c he just saw me checkraise a draw or middle pair against him. Maybe it's a threeway pot and I think that if he doesn't have the ace he'll bet if checked to but fold if bet into. So either way I get the most, this time, and someone else sees me checkraise a set and makes it easier to get the raise next time when I lead into them.

The game-theoretic value is in the appearance of randomized play. A lot of times you don't have to randomize to have your play appear random.