4 · PLAY AFTER THE FLOP · LESSON 16 OF 29 · 6 min
Bet for value
A value bet hopes to be called by worse hands often enough to make money. Start by naming the worse hands that might call. If you cannot name any, the bet may be a bluff or may simply build a pot you do not want.
With top pair and a strong kicker on a dry flop, worse top pairs or middle pairs may call a small bet. A huge bet might chase them away and leave only stronger hands continuing.
Name the worse hands that will pay you
A value bet is not simply a bet made while you like your cards. Its purpose is to be called by worse hands often enough to earn more than checking. Start with the opponent's range and mark the weaker hands that can continue. If most of those hands fold to a large bet but call a small one, a smaller bet may earn more despite winning a smaller pot when called.
Suppose you hold A♠K♦ on A♦7♣2♥. A player who calls preflop may continue with a weaker ace, a seven, or a pocket pair. A modest flop bet can ask those hands to pay while also charging occasional backdoor draws. If you bet huge, some of those weaker hands may leave and the calling range can become stronger. Against a player who never folds any ace, the best size may differ again.
Do not count every call by a worse hand as proof the bet was good. Compare the whole range: calls from worse, calls or raises from better, and the value of keeping weaker hands in when you check. On a river where you cannot name a worse hand that calls, a bet may be a bluff, or checking may simply be better.
Before making the prepared value bet, write down two worse hands that might call and one better hand that could raise. Then choose a size with those hands in mind.
A strong hand is not an automatic large bet. The opponent's calling range matters as much as your cards.
MAKE THE CALL
What makes a bet a value bet?
Start with a prepared decision, then play the rest of the hand with practice chips. Turn on guidance to see the trainer's reasoning.