Lesson
Does Standard 'Check-Raise Trash More' Advice Survive the Database?
Database & MDA Work · advanced · 8 min
Tyler and Eric use PIO node locking to compare solver flop check-raise strategies against a pool tendency where opponents do not fold gutshots, top pair, or overpairs often enough. The lesson shows how that changes bluff selection on medium connected boards, why river overbluffs can fail in practice, and when to raise marginal hands on paired boards.
Key takeaways
- When the pool continues too much versus flop raises, tighten flop check-raises toward value and high-equity hands rather than low-equity trash.
- On jack-high medium straight boards such as J-8-7, limit bluffs because many opponents will overcall turns and refuse to fold top pair or overpairs.
- Do not automatically follow solver river overbluffs if the line depends on opponents folding hands like jacks, queens, or kings that your pool will likely call.
- Use node locking to test specific population assumptions, such as an opponent never folding a gutshot with an overcard or never folding a jack.
- On paired boards where out-of-position opponents overfold, raise more cusp or marginal hands.