What is a Freecard Raise?

Like the name says, a freecard raise is a raise that should let you see the next street for free.

A freecard raise is only an option if you hold a draw that you don’t have to protect.

It only works if your opponents join in. Many poker players have an instinct to check to the aggressor. Let’s use this instinct to our advantage!

Note:
Raising the turn for a free showdown is not a freecard raise. Freecard raises can only be used on the flop to see the turn and/or river for free. This move is only meant for draws. A raise on the turn for a free showdown is only useful with made and vulnerable hands. Top pair plus flush draw outs, for instance, could be raised for a free showdown. You might get an extra bet if you make your hand, and maybe you force your opponents to fold.

Why should you use a Freecard Raise?

A freecard raise has the following advantages:


1. You invest an additional SB in a raise to be able to save 2 SB (1 BB) on the turn. This effect occurs under two conditions:
Assume you only call the flop instead of raising it. Your opponent will bet the turn in most cases. You have to pay 1 BB to see the river if your draw did not materialize on the turn. There might be some passive players out there who will check the turn. In this case you would not have saved anything with your free card raise, but this is very unlikely so it can be ignored.

Aggressive opponents might anticipate that you aim for a free-card raise. They tend to play reraise flop, bet turn or call flop, (donk-)bet turn. This will cause you to invest more money.


2. You don’t necessarily have to take the freecard on the turn. You have the opportunity to stay aggressive. The number of opponents might be considerably decreased, so that a bet on the turn might bring the pot home. Why shouldn’t you give them a chance to fold? Furthermore, you might see some improvement on the turn so you may be willingly to bet and raise for value from there on.