Checking in the Dark

t1riel

t1riel

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
May 20, 2005
Total posts
6,919
Awards
1
Chips
16
This is been happening a lot lately. Can someone explain to me the advantage of "checking in the dark (which is checking before the flop is revealed)" when you're the first to act? I don't really understand why players seem to be doing it more and more. This is live, not online.
 
reglardave

reglardave

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Dec 30, 2006
Total posts
2,264
Chips
0
Generally, it's done to represent strength, and can be used as a ractic to "steal the button" by bringing the action, if there is any, to you last. In actual fact, it is often used as a blocking or probing technique. If you have, for example, AX sooted, or a medium pocket pair, the advantages to limiting action until you've seen the flop, and other players reaction to it, can be. considerable.
 
P

ph_il

...
Silver Level
Joined
Feb 5, 2005
Total posts
10,128
Awards
1
Chips
25
It also puts your opponent out of position. Where you were first to act and your opponent would act accordingly, now the ball is in the opponents hands. He is now out of position and has to make the first move. I really dont see a lot of use for it, either, but I guess its a way to hide the strength of your hand or if your opponent likes to play his position strong, but is pretty passive out of position.
 
Rossta

Rossta

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Dec 18, 2007
Total posts
98
Chips
0
Like said, most people just like to divert action to the other person. You give him the option of a free card, but it obscures thoughts on your hand.
 
S

switch0723

Cardschat Elite
Silver Level
Joined
Sep 2, 2007
Total posts
8,430
Chips
0
Ive used it a few times if i call a raise from the bb with suited connectors, i then check in the dark and not give away anything about my hand. With suited connectors if i hit the flop big i dont mind giving away a free card as it very unlikely to put your opponent in the lead. But if i have a draw i can check in the dark and hope for a check behind. If i completely miss the flop however by checking in the dark, your opponent has no idea if youve hit the flop or not and may be willnig to just check it down
 
KingCurtis

KingCurtis

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Sep 24, 2007
Total posts
9,946
Awards
1
Chips
1
Ive played at the Borgata in Atlantic city and I cant count how many times people would check in the dark...i always wondered why....i guess now i know....but i mean even if you would check after the flop came wouldnt you still be making the other person act first??? i dont understan??
 
vanquish

vanquish

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Total posts
12,000
Chips
0
i do it to gain position on opponentz
 
J

jeffred1111

Visionary
Silver Level
Joined
Apr 16, 2007
Total posts
792
Chips
0
1) Gain position
2) Always can put in a c/r against one opponent (who has probably raised and you call and will likely c-bet)
3) Hides your hand strength (if you don't overdo it, if you always do it with certain hands, villain can put you on them and act accordingly)

4) But, more importantly, if you see this @ home games or small stakes in casinos, it's because villain has seen Negreanu/Hellmuth do it on HSP.

It loses value fast when you are facing more than one opponent since your opponents' hand strength is also hidden/squewed with (second to act can bet a hand he wouldn't even call with).
 
Top