Pushing your chips into the middle of the table requires guts. But knowing when to push those chips across the felt requires a fair bit of cunning and some good observational skills.
Dont be a maniac
If you are going to continually raise every hand you are going to be labelled as a maniac. Sure, you will win some money at the beginning. But people are going to get wise to your schemes very quickly and will set out to trap you with big hands. Very soon you are going to be handing your chips to your opponents as they take advantage of your predictable pattern.
Sniff out weakness
A raise in Holdem Poker is a show of strength. By pushing your chips into the middle of the table you are saying, Back off! I have a really strong hand and this pot is mine! If you see a player that is timid with their betting and spends their time checking and calling, then this show of force can often get them to fold and let you win the hand.
Its all about image
Your opponents perception of you is also important when making a move in poker. If you are constantly raising pots and firing from the hip like John Wayne, then your raises will not be taken as seriously. Their effect will be diluted by your constant use of them.
However, if you are a careful player who is selective about when you show aggression, then your raise will have your opponents do a double take and think twice before calling you.
Decisions, decisions
Ultimately, raising in poker is about knowing your opponent and how he perceives you. Remember, the most strength in poker comes from acting last. If your opponent is weak, you can use this information to raise the pot and get him to back down. But if you are first to act, then you need a stronger hand to raise him because you dont yet know how he is going to react. If he re-raises you, you are going to find yourself in a difficult spot.
So choose your moments wisely, and use the raise like its a sniper rifle, not a machinegun.
