No Limit Hold’em is simple to learn and quite easy to play. The tricky thing that players usually come across in Texas Holdem Poker is choosing the right bet size. One cannot use a single bet size in all spots as optimal bet size depends on many factors like preflop action, stack depth and board texture. Today, we will discuss poker rules about choosing the bet sizes in different game scenarios to win a hand.
Rule 1
Bet lesser amount on static board
If we talk about value bets, always keep in mind that bets on the flop and turn hold back your opponents from their equity if they fold. On dry boards, withholding equity is not important because other players on the table will have less equity against your value betting range. That’s why you get to earn extra reward for using small bet sizes. Further, calling ranges are inelastic on dry boards, and your opponent will fold to a bet regardless of size. So, it’s better to follow exploitative adjustment against players and bet in small sizes.
Rule 2
Bet bigger amount on dynamic boards
When your range of value betting is exposed to being outdrawn, you should increase your bet size. This will help you extract more value and build a high stack pot when you are dealt a strong hand.
Bigger bet size yields more value before the turn or river, and lower the chances of losing the strong hand to a bluff-catcher. Moreover, it generates higher fold equity making your bluffs more effective. For example, 50% of the deck will be rough for a hand like 9♣ 9♦ on T♥ 9♥ 5♠ 4♠. In this hand, 33% flop bet size will be low given the board texture. Moreover, opponents can opt for flush draws and backdoor draws as board is not static. Thus, making a calculated move with right flop bet size that allows you to go all-in on the turn and make your bluff work by creating more fold equity.
Rule 3
SPR should drive bet size
When you play card games online, you should consider the stack-to-pot ratio (SPR) for choosing the perfect bet size. You should plan ahead your poker game considering the size of the pot on turn and river, and then work on your value hands and bluffs. Follow the poker rules – maintain a consistent bet size across the flop, turn and river to generate higher fold equity. You will come across many players who bet big on flop and river, and end up making small bets on the river. Further, keep bluffing to the minimum because small river shoves will result in zero fold equity.
Rule 4
Overbet with nut hands
When playing poker online, you should overbet when you have nut hands. In layman term, one should overbet on boards that favour your range over your opponent’s range. Not only this, you should polarise your over-betting range by putting together your strong hands and bluffs. Larger bet size will yield higher return with value hands, and forces maximum fold equity with your bluffs. Try to make overbet bluffs that block your opponent’s strong hands that will bounce back. For example, you are dealt A♦ K♠ on board with Q♦ 8♦ 2♣ 6♦ 3♠. In such a poker hand scenario, you can follow an overbet strategy as your opponent will not hit a nut hand on river. You can overbet check-raise with strongest hands to pick up an extra bet from opponent’s bluffs, and get maximum value when opponent bets-calls with a value hand like A2o.
