Backraise in Poker | Meaning & Strategy Example

In poker, a backraise is when you originally just call a bet or raise, then re-raise after another player comes in behind you. It’s essentially a re-raise when you seemed passive earlier in the hand, but then turned aggressive. It often surprises opponents.

What Does Backraise Mean in Poker?

The sequence of a backraise works as follows:

• Player A raises.
• Player B just calls (appearing passive).
• Player C re-raises.
• Player A calls.
• Player B now re-raises again → this is the backraise. 
   

It’s also sometimes referred to as a limp-reraise when done preflop. This process can often be used when you are trying to confuse your opponents.

Why Do Players Use Backraises?

A backraise can serve multiple strategic purposes for you:

• Trap with strong hands: Flat-call early to disguise your hand strength, then spring the trap when someone else raises.
• Steal pots: Occasionally used as a bluff to force folds from multiple opponents.
• Mix up play: Prevents opponents from easily reading your range or even labeling you as a passive player. 
   

Because it seems like such an unusual play, a well-timed backraise can often create confusion at the table, leading you to steal a pot.

Example of a Backraise

Imagine a $1/$2 no-limit Hold’em game where you are Player B:

• Player A raises to $6.
• Player B just calls with pocket aces.
• Player C re-raises to $20.
• Player A calls.
• Player B now re-raises to $60. 
   

You (Player B) have executed a backraise here, turning your deceptive flat-call into a powerful re-raise. Leaving player A and C confused and unable to read your hand.

Risks of the Backraise

Like any advanced move in poker, the backraise has downsides and risks:

• Telegraphs strength: Many opponents assume a backraise equals a strong hand.
• Rarely used: Because it’s uncommon, it can look suspicious and reduce fold equity.
• Expensive if wrong: If attempted as a bluff, it can backfire badly against strong ranges. 
   

For a backraise to occur, another player presenting a strong hand must have already raised. Therefore, the backraise is best used selectively and usually with strong holdings, since it carries a risk of being called by the original raiser. 

FAQs

Is a backraise the same as a limp-reraise? 
Yes, preflop, the two terms can often be used interchangeably.

Why is the backraise effective? 
Because it disguises strength and creates confusion, it often catches opponents off guard.

Do pros use backraises often? 
Not frequently, it’s a very situational move, but many pros can use it sparingly to stay unpredictable.