Lesson overview
Value Betting Basics
Name the worse hands that can pay
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Inside the full lesson
What worse hand will call your bet?
In the full lesson, you work through this scenario with interactive examples.
You have AK on a king-high flop. A bet may get paid by weaker kings. Start by naming those hands, then choose a size they might call.
What you’ll learn
- Distinguish value, a bluff and a useful check
- Choose a size for the opponent and board
- Reassess strong hands when the board changes
From the full lesson
The value / bluff / check test
Referenced activities and other examples are available in the full lesson after sign-in.
Value: Which worse hands call? Bluff: Which better hands fold? Check: If neither answer is convincing, keep the hand live without adding chips.
On the river, a value bet generally wants to beat more than half the hands that call, in a simple heads-up model without raises. Before the river, draws and future action also matter. Having a strong-looking hand does not by itself answer these questions.
From the full lesson
Choose a size the target hands can call
Referenced activities and other examples are available in the full lesson after sign-in.
A smaller bet can get calls from weaker pairs; a larger bet can earn more when worse strong hands or draws still pay. Start with modest sizes while learning and explain the target hand.
Board texture matters, but it does not prescribe one percentage. A wet board may contain made straights or flushes, not just draws to charge. Rebuild your best five and think about the opponent's hands before betting bigger.
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