Gambling terms, explained straight

Poker

Check-raise bluff

A check-raise bluff is a poker tactic where a player checks with a weak hand, then raises after an opponent bets, hoping to make the opponent fold.

Also called
Check-raise; related term sandbagging refers to raising after checking where that action may be disallowed in some games7.
Applies to
Poker betting rounds, especially no-limit and pot-limit games where check-raises are permitted; some fixed-limit or private games may prohibit them7.
Bluff frequency
A player should bluff a percentage of the time equal to the opponent's pot odds to call the bluff (David Sklansky)6.

Key points

  • The player checks to invite a bet, then raises in the same round to represent strength and force a fold1.
  • Unlike a value check-raise, a check-raise bluff is used with a weak hand, not a strong one5.
  • The tactic is distinct from sandbagging, which may be restricted in some rule sets7.

Where this term is used

Not the same as

  • Check raise poker — the broader check-raise is any raise after checking, whether for value, protection, or bluffing; a check-raise bluff is specifically the bluffing use of that line234
Poker Bluff definition Explains the general concept of bluffing in poker. Poker Check poker Covers the action of checking in poker. Poker Bluff poker Describes bluffing strategies and tactics in poker. Poker Check poker hands Discusses when to check based on hand strength. Poker Poker raise rules Details the rules governing raises in poker. Poker Check a cinch in poker Explains the term 'cinch' and checking in poker.

Sources

  1. Check-raise en.wikipedia.org Provides the core definition and mechanics of check-raise.
  2. Betting in poker en.wikipedia.org Supports the definition of check-raise bluff and distinguishes it from value check-raise.
  3. Glossary of poker terms en.wikipedia.org Confirms the term is listed in the glossary of poker terms.
  4. Bluff (poker) en.wikipedia.org Links check-raise bluff to the broader bluffing concept.
  5. Slow play en.wikipedia.org Helps distinguish check-raise bluff from slow play (value check-raise).
  6. Pot odds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org Provides the bluff frequency principle from David Sklansky.
  7. Card Games: Poker Betting pagat.com Clarifies the term sandbagging and notes where check-raises may be prohibited.

Sources are drawn from regulators, universities and published research, and each one is labelled with what it actually is — a preprint is not called a paper. Bookmaker and affiliate pages are never cited here, because a page that sells betting is not a neutral authority on it.

Written and maintained by Ellis Warrender, writer and maintainer.

Last updated 28 July 2026. Spotted an error? Tell me and it gets fixed and logged on the corrections page.