What is a min-raise in poker?
A min-raise is the smallest legal raise: in No-Limit Hold’em, a raise must be at least the size of the previous bet or raise. Preflop with blinds 1/2, the minimum raise is to 4. Min-raises are common in tournaments with shorter stacks, but in cash games they usually give opponents too good a price.
How to calculate the minimum raise
Section titled “How to calculate the minimum raise”Minimum raise = current bet + the size of the last raise
| Situation | Minimum raise |
|---|---|
| Blinds 1/2, nobody raised | To 4 |
| Someone raised to 6 (a raise of 4) | To 10 |
| Someone bets 10 on the flop | To 20 |
| Bet 10, raised to 30 (raise of 20) | To 50 |
See poker actions.
When a min-raise makes sense
Section titled “When a min-raise makes sense”- Tournaments with antes and 20–40 big blinds: a 2 BB open risks less and still gets folds. See tournament strategy.
- Short-handed games with very aggressive opponents (advanced).
When it’s a mistake
Section titled “When it’s a mistake”- Cash games at low stakes: the big blind only needs to call 1 BB to win about 4 BB, so they defend almost everything. You’ll play many pots out of position against wide ranges.
- Min-raising strong hands after the flop: you let draws continue cheaply. See bet sizing.
Facing a min-raise
Section titled “Facing a min-raise”- Preflop in the big blind: you get a great price; defend wider. See big blind defence.
- After the flop: a min-raise is often a strong hand at low stakes, sometimes a cheap bluff. Use pot odds: you usually get a good price to continue with draws.
See also preflop raise size.
What is a min-raise in poker?
Section titled “What is a min-raise in poker?”The smallest legal raise: at least the size of the previous bet or raise.
What is the minimum raise preflop with blinds 1/2?
Section titled “What is the minimum raise preflop with blinds 1/2?”To 4.
Is min-raising good in cash games?
Section titled “Is min-raising good in cash games?”Usually not at low stakes; it gives opponents too good a price to call.
Why do tournament players min-raise?
Section titled “Why do tournament players min-raise?”With antes and shorter stacks, a smaller open risks fewer chips and still wins the blinds often.