Question about raises

[Gutoid]

When a passage in a book says "the standard raise is different for each table, but it's usually 2 1/2 to 3 times the Big Blind".....does this normally mean 2 1/2 the Big Blind ---TOTAL (straight)--- or 2 1/2 times the Big Blind ------On Top?

[Mugcaf5]

i usally just do 3-4x bb like BB is 50cent raise it up to 1.50 or 2$

[Jeff_B]

I believe the standard is like 4xBig Blind + 1 Big Blind per limper

[ottsville]

[ QUOTE ]
the standard is like 4xBig Blind + 1 Big Blind per limper

[/ QUOTE ]

[Small Fry]

It means 2.5-3 x bb. So if bb is $1 the raise would be $2.50 - $3.00.

The reality is this has probably become closer to 3-4 x bb for most if you're first in the pot. If you're not first in then add another bet for for each limper. Example: bb= $1. Standard opening raise is between $3-$4. Now lets say the first two players limp in (call the $1), now your raise of $3 isn't very much compared to total pot size (pot is $3.50 and you bet $3, so total pot is $6.50 and it only costs a player $3 to call you. Odds of 2.2:1) But if you add $1 for each limper your bet is now $5 (3x bb + bet for each limper). Now total pot will be $8.50 but it costs $5 to call. So odds are now about 1.7:1. You've made it more expensive for the other players to come in with speculative hands.

[Gutoid]

Does this standard apply to both cash games and tournaments?

[mikever]

tournaments can be a little less, generally. I stick to 3xBB +1 per limper in tourn, 4x +1 in cash games as a general rule, but I change it depending on table conditions.

[Small Fry]

[ QUOTE ]
Does this standard apply to both cash games and tournaments?

[/ QUOTE ]

Generally yes. But it's all about the table / opponents - type and number / and how you're viewed. For example if you're playing at a table with a bunch of very tight players that typically fold to any raise then you might be forced to limp some big hands to get some action. (Be careful what you wish for though. But if you're at a table with a bunch of very loose players you might need to raise more to limit the field. Likewise if you have not played a hand in two hours and suddenly open with a raise. Your image is tight and now you raise, so everyone folds. But if you've been playing a lot of hands, and raising frequently your raises will start to get less respect.

Also, do not base how much you raise on what your hand is. Knowledgeable players will destroy you.

good luck.

[Monolith]

str8...