How did 3X the big blind become the standard pre flop raise ??

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Self appointed RX World Champion Handicapper
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Why is that the figure that is used more than any other ?

I realize that 5 or 6 or much more would probably drive everybody out , or possibly force you to call an all in .
 

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It is DOUBLE the BIG/SMALL blind combined.

Example

With a $10 small blind and a $20 large blind, if one raises 3x the big blind ($60), they are raising 2x of what is in the pot(assuming they are the first to act).
 

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Fishhead said:
It is DOUBLE the BIG/SMALL blind combined.

Example

With a $10 small blind and a $20 large blind, if one raises 3x the big blind ($60), they are raising 2x of what is in the pot(assuming they are the first to act).

:lolBIG: true observation but how does that answer the original question of why that is the "standard"?
 

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D2bets said:
:lolBIG: true observation but how does that answer the original question of why that is the "standard"?


Your the math expert, you tell me.


:laugh:
 

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Everyone has a different standard raise, mine started at 4X, as my raises generally meant good cards, and it was in an effort to drive people out of the pot. As my game improved, I opened up my pre-flop play, more of my raises were with the intention of stealing the blinds. The 3X accomplished nearly the same thing as the 4X, but was less risk for the same reward.

Controlling the pot size is also a critical aspect to poker, a 3X raise keeps the pot smaller if one were to get callers as opposed to the 4X.

As a tournament reaches it's later stages, my preflop raise amount goes down to 2.5 to 2.9 times the big blind, as it essentially has the same effect as the 3X.

As a side note, tournaments with antes involved and saavy players sometimes requires a larger preflop raise than 3X, as the pot is larger to start out and a good player may call with a wide array of hands getting very nice pot odds.

Hope that helps.
 

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To expand further, a 2X raise leaves the BB way too juicy of odds to call with any 2 cards, thus making it more difficult to put your opponent on a range of hands.

Basically if you are a good post flop player, I recommend a smaller pre-flop raise, and if you are not good post flop, I recommend a larger pre-flop raise.

One other note...if there are limpers, my preflop raise is usually (3+x)*BB, with x being the number of limpers....sometimes I'll use X-0.5 depending on who or how many are already in the pot.
 

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In poker there should never be a standard play. Mix it up at all times. How else do you keep players off balance. Limp with mid pairs, raise suited connectors. Just becuase we all read a book doesn't make them right. If you only play by the "book" you will be broke. ALso depends what chip position you are in, how many people still in, tourny or not big difference with cash games and tourneys.

Bottom line is poker is about never showing any trends. Do do the same thing over and over becuase you read it in a book.
 

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