← EXIT BET SIZING

Why Bet Sizing Matters

The same hand can win or lose money based on how much you bet. Size tells a story.

THE BIG IDEA

In poker, how much you bet is just as important as whether you bet. Your bet size affects:

1. How often your opponent calls - Small bets get called more, big bets get called less

2. The pot odds you give them - Bigger bets make draws unprofitable to call

3. What story your bet tells - Size signals strength, weakness, or polarization

THE FOUR MAIN SIZES

Click each size to learn when to use it:

Small Bet
25-33%
A probe bet. You're betting for thin value or to see where you stand.
USE WHEN: Dry boards, merged ranges, blocking bets, thin value on river
Standard Bet
50-66%
The workhorse size. Balances value and protection without over-committing.
USE WHEN: Default c-bet, most value bets, semi-bluffs with equity
Large Bet
75-100%
Polarized range - you have a monster or a bluff. Forces tough decisions.
USE WHEN: Strong hands for value, big draws as semi-bluffs, wet boards
Overbet
100%+
The nuclear option. Maximum pressure. You're repping the nuts or air.
USE WHEN: Nut hands, blocking rivers, when opponent's range is capped

INTERACTIVE: SEE THE MATH

Adjust the bet size and see how it changes the pot odds you're giving your opponent:

CURRENT POT
$100
Your bet size: 50%
YOUR BET
$50
POT ODDS GIVEN
33%
THEY NEED TO WIN
33%

What this means: If you bet $50 into $100, your opponent is calling $50 to win $150. That's 50/150 = 33%. So any hand with more than 33% equity should call.

Key insight: Bigger bets = worse odds for your opponent = draws can't profitably call. This is why you bet larger on wet, draw-heavy boards.

SIZE BY BOARD TEXTURE

Board Type Example Best Size Why
Dry Rainbow K♠ 7♥ 2♦ 25-33% Few draws, opponent missed. Small bet gets folds, big bet is overkill.
Wet Two-Tone J♥ T♥ 8♠ 66-75% Many draws. Charge them to chase. Small bet lets them draw cheaply.
Monotone Q♠ 9♠ 4♠ 75-100% Flush likely. Polarize - you have it or you're bluffing. No middle ground.
Paired Board 8♥ 8♦ 3♣ 25-50% Hard for anyone to have hit. Small bet often takes it down.

COMMON MISTAKES

Mistake #1: Same Size Every Time
If you always bet 50% pot, observant opponents will notice you never adjust. Fix: Vary your sizing based on board texture and hand strength.
Mistake #2: Betting Small With Strong Hands
You hit a set and bet 1/3 pot "to keep them in." But you're leaving money on the table! Fix: With strong hands, bet an amount worse hands will still call.
Mistake #3: Betting Big as a Bluff on Dry Boards
You miss the flop on K72 and bet 80% pot. Overkill - a small bet accomplishes the same thing cheaper. Fix: Match your bluff size to what you'd bet for value.

THE GOLDEN RULES

1. Bet the same size with value and bluffs. If you bet big with monsters and small with bluffs, you're exploitable.

2. Big bets polarize your range. When you bet large, you're saying "I have a big hand or nothing." Middle-strength hands should bet smaller.

3. Deny equity on wet boards. Flush draws have ~35% equity. If you bet 75% pot, you're making their call unprofitable.

4. Adjust to your opponent. Against calling stations, bet bigger for value. Against nits, bluff smaller (they're folding anyway).