Mini Raise - NL Hold'em

[mannyfest]

How do people feel about using the "Mini-Raise" in No Limit Hold'em? Do you use it? Is it a donk play? Is it deceptive? If you do use it, when?

I am trying to mix up my style instead of coming in for a standard raise all the time. Please give me your thoughts...

[bleedingear]

coming in for a standard raise every time is the best play. People can't put you on a hand if you don't vary your raises pre-flop.
I don't like the min-raise. The BB has to call atc and you don't know what you are up against.

I always try to bet 3x for the first few levels and 2.5x after the antes have kicked in.

[PokerGob]

Mini Raising can be an effective form of deception and pot control. I think it can be an excellent way to set up a bluff in early positions. Varying your raises is actually a great way to create the illusion of weakness or strength. When I play poker, I sometimes play mechanically coming in for 3.5X the BB all the time, and when I feel people have figured this out, I mix it up to 5X the BB and yes I do use the mini raise. When one is playing poker, it is important to track yourself to see if you are creating any identifiable pattern.

[Dacooler]

If I am almost certain that I have the best hand I will usually not use the mini raise. I bet larger mainly for the reason of Maximizing the value of my bets. For example if I bet $20 into a $100 pot (with one other opponent) thinking my opponent is more likely to call a small bet over a large one, in the long run I probably wont make as make as much as using a large bet. Say if he/she calls your small bet 7/10 times your profit total would be $140. But if I bet $100 and if he/she calls 2/10 times that would be $200. Value betting is usually better. But..

I do agree with PG also, if used properly it can be used to further different purposes under different circumstances.
Possibly even as a "blocking bet" to protect you and buy time for another card against a player acting after you who you are certain has the better of it at the time. Thus getting to see another card for your draw or whatever, cheaper then you might have otherwise.