Understanding Poker Bet Sizing: Part Two
11/02/09 12:50 Filed in: Poker Strategy
This is the second post on Pot Sizing. The First Post can be found here.
There are several determining factors that should also be taken into consideration before putting down poker chips on a bet. In the previous article we covered the necessary distinction between strategic and bankroll increasing betting but it’s also important to note some general table features significant toward either method.
The most important table elements worthy of serious consideration include the size of the pot, the number of opponents left in the game and the development of your hand. If any one of these features is weak then it can make an enormous difference on how large your bets should be scaled.
A large number of competitors can make rewarding bets increasingly difficult. Bet sizing should be considered in direct comparison to how many players are still left. In a showdown situation or a table with few others still active a sizable bet can be misguided. Fewer opponents are easier to read and thus easier to manipulate by pushing in with an intimidating bet.
Pot size cannot be underestimated either. Winning a larger pot falls into the bankroll increasing category of play and should be considered strategically. If you’re in a game for nothing more than the prestige of a win then large bets should mostly be avoided (unless used in on perfect hands or predictable opponents) as they can often serve as pot stimulators rather than tools for winning.
Hand development is significant in a very obvious manner. Any good poker player knows that bluffing too often with large bets will only yield frequent bad beats. Bet sizing should always be made relative to the strength of your hand in relation to dealt cards.
There are several determining factors that should also be taken into consideration before putting down poker chips on a bet. In the previous article we covered the necessary distinction between strategic and bankroll increasing betting but it’s also important to note some general table features significant toward either method.
The most important table elements worthy of serious consideration include the size of the pot, the number of opponents left in the game and the development of your hand. If any one of these features is weak then it can make an enormous difference on how large your bets should be scaled.
A large number of competitors can make rewarding bets increasingly difficult. Bet sizing should be considered in direct comparison to how many players are still left. In a showdown situation or a table with few others still active a sizable bet can be misguided. Fewer opponents are easier to read and thus easier to manipulate by pushing in with an intimidating bet.
Pot size cannot be underestimated either. Winning a larger pot falls into the bankroll increasing category of play and should be considered strategically. If you’re in a game for nothing more than the prestige of a win then large bets should mostly be avoided (unless used in on perfect hands or predictable opponents) as they can often serve as pot stimulators rather than tools for winning.
Hand development is significant in a very obvious manner. Any good poker player knows that bluffing too often with large bets will only yield frequent bad beats. Bet sizing should always be made relative to the strength of your hand in relation to dealt cards.
