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Tips to Size Your Poker Bets Better

A majority of intermediate poker players make a common mistake – sizing their poker bet incorrectly at inappropriate times. They forget to determine the best size of a bet to use. Instead, they just press the bet-pot button or bet a random number. This causes severe damage.
author-picture Admin - 2018. October 25.

A majority of intermediate poker players make a common mistake – sizing their poker bet incorrectly at inappropriate times. They forget to determine the best size of a bet to use. Instead, they just press the bet-pot button or bet a random number. This causes severe damage.


If you’re also planning to play competitive poker, remember to not fall into this trap. The game of poker requires skill and precision. You can only increase your edge over your competition by making bets that are appropriately sized. As an amateur, you can enjoy online Bookmakers UK and learn when and how you need to size your bets. You can also use the tips given below to make your bets better:

Know your Goal

Every play must have a reason. This is even critical to making a bet. What is the purpose of your bet? Is it a value bet or are you trying to make the opponent fold? The ultimate goal of your bet will influence the size of the bet you make. Don’t just hit the bet-pot button, analyze your move. A little bit of planning and efficiency will improve the chances of your bet resulting in what you want.

A quick tip to keep in mind, especially if you are playing tournaments – don’t make the exact same bet in same situations. This way the opponent will understand your game and will know what you have in mind. Vary your bets with the ultimate goal in mind.

Goal 1 – Want the Opponent to Fold?

If the goal is to make the opponent fold, bet as little as possible to accomplish your mission. Now, this does not mean that you start with minimum betting in every hand because that way, you will just start looking like a fish. Pro Poker players can identify the difference between a whale and fish and your game will turn if you are not playing the right bets. Please understand that the objective of betting low is to save money while the goal is being accomplished.

Most opponents will fold to both the smaller and full-pot-size bet. In case they are absolutely sure on calling, they will call, irrespective of your bet size. So, by keeping your bet as little as possible, you save money when you are called.

Goal 2 – Want your Opponent to Call?

In situations when you want to be called, you are looking at a value bet. Here, you have a better hand and want your opponent to give you more with a worse hand. Unlike the previous strategy, the rule of thumb now is to bet the highest amount that you think your opponent will call.

When you make a bigger bet, you are better off since it will get called fewer times. Conversely, a smaller bet will get called more often.

A poker tournament requires attention and analysis. Gather information and use this to your advantage by understanding the betting pattern of your opponent. Know their tendencies. A few players consider a higher bet as bluff while others believe it to equal the nuts.

 

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