[Shillx]

Yes it is bad. With just 2 callers you need to check/call.

If the action were: Hero checks, PFR bets, 7 people call. Now a check/raise makes more sense. That doesn't mean that you should do it though. If the villian is aggressive, I will still check/call and go for a check/raise on 4th if I make my straight. If I don't fear a 3-bet from the PFR, then I will check/raise for value.

With just 2 callers in the middle, you get:

8(.315) - 2 = +.52 SB when you check/raise and everyone one calls.

4(.315) - 1 = +.26 SB when you check/call and everyone else calls.

So you get .26 SB (.13 BB more, as we already figured out in a previous post) when you check/raise and everything works out. But every thing will not always work out. And, sometimes a check/raise can kill your implied odds if you hit the straight on a later street.

A check/raise is only viable iff (if and only if):

1) Your implied odds don't go down. That is, by check/raising the flop for value you will still be able to check/raise the turn for value. This usually isn't the case as you should bet out if you hit the straight on 4th after you check/raise the flop. Going for back-to-back check/raises is usually a losing strategy.

2) No one will fold to the check/raise and possible 3-bet.

Brad