The power of the pre-flop raise

[blueday]

Sometimes when playing poker - I get a reasonable hand like A10 or Aj - I dont raise and just limp in.

How often have you found that the Big blind is holding rubbish and hits big on the flop? 

Im just in a sit and go and Im BB - my cards are 94 off which is obviously a rubbish hand.  I was unraised.  Flop comes down 99J - player bets 40 so I just called.  Next card is a 4.  So I have a full house with my rubbishy hand.  The other player bets big so I just put them all in.  Showdown - I have a full house - opponent has Ace rag suited and he gets knocked out!

Had he raised, I certainly would have folded my rubbish but the fact is his lack of pre-flop raise cost him the game.

[Mago666]

well in poker u NEED raise preflop whit a Strong Hand or U NEED raise in Button if anyone raise before, u need raise ur strong hands preflop for avoid hands like conecctors, suited etc.... and u need raise in button because the most of times all players will be folded and u can stole the blinds  (only works in medium and high limits)

[blueday]

Absolutely!  You have to stop the fish and the straight and flush chasers.