| If you bet too small then you will be missing out on getting the maximum value from your current hand. So what is the best way to assess the size of your value bet?
Pause and observe
Imagine the scenario where a value bet appears on the river. You have spent your time playing through the hand, and you want to make sure that you get the opportuity to squeeze the most money out of your opponents.
You must work out what size of bet that he will call. The easiest way to do this is to look back over the hands that he has played.
If he has been playing weakly, then it indicates something. Has he been more confident in calling your bets? Possibly he is on tilt and has thrown caution to the wind in attempt to gain his winnings back?
If you do not know how he has been playing, then it is extremely difficult for you to figure out what he is thinking. Players tend to play particular patterns and strategies.
The more information that you can figure out on your opponent, the more likely your guesses will be correct and the larger your profits will turn out to be.
Working out your opponents hand
Being observant and keeping watch on your opponents playing style is part of the game. If you keep tabs on how he plays, then you are much more likley to be successful. Watch the community cards and watch his actions.
The larger the hand turns out to be, perhaps the larger the bet that he will end up calling. If he is more cautious, and instead has ended up being resigned to a draw, then he will be very unlikely to call the smallest value bet. |
