Definition of Open Raise
An open raise occurs when no one has made a move before you. If you are in UTG position and raise, you open-raise. If a player limps to you and you raise, it’s not an open, it’s an iso-raise (you’re isolating yourself from the limping player). The term “open” means you make the game first. Open raise is a very classic poker game. As a rule, when no one has spoken before you, and you want to hit the flop, it is highly desirable to make an open raise.
Benefits of open raise
Open promotion has several advantages. First, you reduce the number of players who will see the flop. If you are limping, it is possible that several players will call and you will see a 4 or 5 player flop. The more players on the flop, the less control you have over your hand. Also, the more players on the flop, the less equity you will have in your hand. Secondly, when you make an open raise, the initiative is yours, ie. you control the hand. You represent a strong hand and can represent multiple strong hands on multiple flops.