The Basics of Value Betting in Poker
Making correct value bets in poker can turn recreational poker into a full time job by improving your win rate. Value betting is exactly as it sounds: a bet adding more value to the pot that otherwise wouldn't be added. When making a value bet these are a few key things to consider about the other player:
The overall strength of their hand or what they perceive to be the strength of their hand. Being able to determine whether an opponent thinks his hand is strong will allow you to bet the largest amount possible while still getting called.
The overall perceived strength of your hand. If you want to get paid off players need to think you don't have much. When they think your holding a monster the likelihood of getting paid off lowers greatly. However sometimes your hand will just seem strong, but you can sometimes use math if your favor and bet an amount your opponent is forced to call due to the odds you are laying him.
How much will a player really call. Some players do not like calling off their stack when they are unsure of a decision. In some cases you need to find a middle ground that doesn't make your opponent second guess himself.
A players overall ability to fold. In some cases opponents will never be able to fold what they think is a monster. If you can quickly realize this it will allow you to always get all the chips in when you are ahead.
Now you have some factors, but you need to implement them. Nothing is going to give you better practice than playing. No matter how simple you think the concept of value betting is there will always be work to do and new things to learn. You always need to work on getting as much value as possible without losing it. If you bet to little you will lose the extra bit, but if you bet to much you will lose all the value. Always look back at each and every session and be honest with yourself. Being able to evaluate your own game truthfully will help you grow as a poker player.
Making correct value bets in poker can turn recreational poker into a full time job by improving your win rate. Value betting is exactly as it sounds: a bet adding more value to the pot that otherwise wouldn't be added. When making a value bet these are a few key things to consider about the other player:
The overall strength of their hand or what they perceive to be the strength of their hand. Being able to determine whether an opponent thinks his hand is strong will allow you to bet the largest amount possible while still getting called.
The overall perceived strength of your hand. If you want to get paid off players need to think you don't have much. When they think your holding a monster the likelihood of getting paid off lowers greatly. However sometimes your hand will just seem strong, but you can sometimes use math if your favor and bet an amount your opponent is forced to call due to the odds you are laying him.
How much will a player really call. Some players do not like calling off their stack when they are unsure of a decision. In some cases you need to find a middle ground that doesn't make your opponent second guess himself.
A players overall ability to fold. In some cases opponents will never be able to fold what they think is a monster. If you can quickly realize this it will allow you to always get all the chips in when you are ahead.
Now you have some factors, but you need to implement them. Nothing is going to give you better practice than playing. No matter how simple you think the concept of value betting is there will always be work to do and new things to learn. You always need to work on getting as much value as possible without losing it. If you bet to little you will lose the extra bit, but if you bet to much you will lose all the value. Always look back at each and every session and be honest with yourself. Being able to evaluate your own game truthfully will help you grow as a poker player.
