2.5xBB open raise?

I have recently started to raise only 2.5xBB if I am first in the pot (or for the mathematically challenged (including me) 5xSB). I don't remember where I read this but in general the idea is that if I do this all the time it will be harder to put me on a hand.

1) It's not the awful min-raise that just screams for the BB to call with good pot odds.
2) It is kind of an "I want to get re-raised, so just try it" move that might confuse opponents to think I have a monster and don't want to scare everyone away.
3) It allows me to get away from tough situations with less of a loss.

Has anyone tried this strategy? Does it work for you? If you saw someone do this, what would you think?

its normally 3 Times the BB, if your the first to bet, but you better have a hand to back it up,, if your 1st. to bet and have crap, then fold your cards or you will be losing lots of money,, >>>>>>>>>> buck
oh,i usually respect a 3x bet from the first player and will fold if i got crap, but if i got something ill reraise him

I know the normal play is 3-4xBB. I was just wondering what people thought of a 2.5xBB raise. This is not a loose raise that is used often and only done with strong starting hands. It might work to my advantage later when my image is tight and I can start doing this with suited connectors in late position as well.

Could work for you,, but i wouldnt make it a habit,, could cost you in the long run and most of the times it does>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. buck

This is playing small ball. Daniel Negreanu is a big advocate of it. Works well if you are comfortable playing post-flop.

if you are a strong enough player to get rid of hands then it is fine. If you are not then you need to raise more.


for instance you raise 2.5 and get 2 callers and you have KQ and flop is like K92, can you get away from this? if you can then yes you can play that way if not you need to raise more.

^^This.
I love the 2.5 xbb raise, and use it a lot (at most tournament blind levels).