Interpreting the Minimum Raise in No Limit Holdem

  Sometimes the communication in poker can be extremely subtle and more than a little confusing. Mixed signals abound. Yes can mean no, no can mean maybe, and maybe can mean go soak your head. So what is a player making the minimum raise in a hand of No Limit Holdem trying to say?  If you don't know the player and are unfamiliar with his style and experience this sort of small raise means one of two things. It means either the player is inexperienced and has no idea what they are doing, or that the player is trying to generate some action at the table in order to get some big money for their hand.  The best thing to do in this scenario is re-raise them. Regardless of what happens you are in a position to gain something. If the player is truly a clueless, inexperienced type, it would be a shame not to take advantage of their ignorance. The small raise on their part conveys the message that they have very little confidence in their cards, but want to take a shot at scaring people into folding. This is sort of like fighting a puffer fish who wants to look bigger than they really are. The re-raise will probably encourage somebody of this ilk to fold.  If they are trying to draw you in and get you to feed the pot with your chips, they will call your re-raise, and hope you continue to chase them. Your next action will depend heavily on what cards are in your hand, but at least you will know what you're dealing with.  Good Luck!