Are you shuffling your chips wondering how much to add to the pot? Well then this hold’em bet sizing guide is for you, dear reader.
Today we’re breaking down the art of betting the right amount at the right time. We don’t claim to be seasoned pros, but we do know a thing or two about striking the right balance…
The basics of hold’em bet sizing
Hold’em bet sizing is all about deciding how much to bet or raise during a hand. And it’s not just about the amount. Oh, no. It’s all about the message it sends. Your bet size can show strength, reveal weakness or even lure your unsuspecting opponents into a dastardly trap to nab all their chips.
Why size matters
Women around the world know that size matters. And now it’s time for poker players, male or female, to understand the same thing. That’s because the size of your bet can really have an impact on how the game unfolds. A well-sized bet can protect strong hands, build the pot or force opponents to fold. Betting too much or too little can cost you valuable chips or else it can mean you fail to maximise those sweet, sweet winnings. It’s oh so important to strike a balance.
Pre-flop strategies
When it comes to hold’em bet sizing, starting strong is key. Pre-flop, your bet should signal your hand’s strength. And how much do you have to bet to do that? Well a standard raise is usually three to four times the big blind. Having said that, feel free to adjust this based on your position and the game’s dynamics. If you’re in early position, play tighter with stronger hands, meanwhile in late position, you can afford to be a little more aggressive.
Post-flop precision
After the flop, things get a little bit more interesting. Your bet size now has to reflect the strength of not only your hand, but the texture of the board and what you reckon your opponents are likely to be holding. A good rule of thumb is to bet around half or three quarters of the pot.
Consider your opponents
Of course, it’s always important in poker to consider who you’re up against. In hold’em bet sizing, it’s no difference. Some players easily fold under pressure, while other ones call stubbornly until the bitter end. The great thing is that you can use hold’em bet sizing to exploit these very tendencies. Against tight players, smaller bets might encourage folds. But with loose players, you might have to push with bigger bets.
Managing the pot
Controlling the pot size is a real tactical game. Decide early on in the hand whether a big or small pot would suit you best. If you have a marginal hand, you might prefer keeping it small. Meanwhile, if you’ve got something with a lot of oomph (read: strong hand), especially if you’re in a favourable position, it makes sense to push for a bigger pot.
Bluffing with belief
Bluffing is an art. We all know this. And when you’re bluffing, hold’em bet sizing can make or break the move. A credible bluff often mirrors what you would bet with a strong hand. Having said that, overbetting can seem desperate, while under betting might be too tempting for your opponents to call. Keep it believable. That’s your best bet in the world of bluffing.
Finding somewhere to practice
As with any new skill, the best way to get really good at hold’em bet sizing is to keep practicing. And one of our favourite spots to practice is bet365. They’ve got a decent range of budget levels, which mean you can grind your way up the buy-in or stake levels, in time. Plus if you sign up today, you can use this bet365 bonus code to get a sweet welcome offer.