In the game of poker raises are considered an aggressive move. Calls and checks are considered to be passive. When playing poker it is almost always an advantage to be viewed as a player with an aggressive “image” versus a passive one. Aggression tends to win the most pots. Clearly you need to use discretion with your aggression but you need to be aggressive when necessary to win consistently.

There are also times when you will need to be aggressive with a weak hand. This takes nerve and a lot of skill to accomplish successfully. If you are unable to perform these kinds of moves with some semblance of believability you will be pegged as predictable. Once you become predictable to other players you’re as good as gone at a poker table. Be sure to use your aggression wisely so as to keep your opponents guessing.