2 Poker Master Value Betting Poker Strategy Must Learn

Let's categorize the types of bets into value bets, protection bets, blocking bets, and bluff bets. Of course, a Texas Hold'em master can often use multiple types of bets in each instance. Below, we will introduce each category.

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2 Poker Master Value Betting Poker Strategy Game Introduction

At the poker table, we often face different players' bets, and the key to profitability lies in our ability to discern whether the opponent is bluffing and, when we are ahead, to make the trailing opponents pay through raises. To become a Texas Hold'em master, these skills are essential.

However, does the size of the bet really matter? Isn't Texas Hold'em a game about positions and hand ranges? This is a crucial question, and Texas Hold'em masters are constantly searching for the most suitable approach in each hand to achieve the desired results.

Here, let's categorize the types of bets into value bets, protection bets, blocking bets, and bluff bets. Of course, a Texas Hold'em master can often use multiple types of bets in each instance. Below, we will introduce each category.

2 Poker Master Value Betting Poker Strategy Must Learn

Value Betting Poker Master Technique

Value betting poker refers to placing bets when our hand has a certain leading value, hoping that opponents will pay us with their bets. What makes a poker master impressive is their ability to know how much value they can extract from the same hand, in the same position, facing different players. This depends on their interpretation of the opponent's hand range. Let's look at the following example:

Player 1: Middle position, hand Ac/Js
Player 2: Button, hand Ah/Qc

Note: s stands for spades, h for hearts, d for diamonds, c for clubs

Blinds 20/40, Player 1 raises to 160, Player 2 calls, and the blinds fold. The pot is 380.

Flop: Ad/As/9c

Player 1 bets 120, and Player 2 calls. The pot is now 620.

From the middle position player's perspective, this 120 is considered a value betting poker. The reason is that, on this board, A is within their range, and their kicker J is also a relatively high-ranking card. The size of 120, being less than 1/3 of the pot, allows them to balance their bets with pocket pairs while keeping their options open for the turn.

Player 2's call also falls under the category of a value call. The reason is that, given the earlier position raise range, Player 2 is only behind A/K, A/9, and 9/9. If Player 1 is perceived as playing more conservatively, Player 2's range can be further narrowed down to A/K and 9/9. Other hands like A/J, A/10, and bigger pocket pairs are behind Player 2 and can be evaluated after the turn.

Protection Value Betting Poker Master Technique

Continuing with the previous example, the turn brings 8d.

Player 1 bets 420, Player 2 calls. The pot is now 1460.

Here, the 420 is considered a protection bet. The reason is that the 8 on the turn is a relatively connected card. Now, the player in the later position may have a flush or a straight draw, and such hands would need to see the next community card to potentially overtake.

Player 1 bets 2/3 of the pot, indicating that if Player 2 wants to see the next card, they need to pay this amount.

Player 2's call still leans towards a value call. Player 1's bet gives information that suggests a made hand, meaning a currently present hand.

Therefore, the likely range on the flop remains largely unchanged on the turn. Player 2's situation of being ahead or behind has not changed.

Poker Master Quiz

If you were Player 2, would you choose to raise? If yes, how much would you raise?

The above is our introduction to value betting poker types today. Poker master techniques are diverse, and to avoid becoming a fish at the poker table, there are many things to consider.

Conclusion

While we previously emphasized paying attention to position and hand ranges, today we focused on analyzing the types of bets opponents make. This helps in making the correct responses, just like a Texas Hold'em master, to profit.

We introduced two types of bets today, and in the next session, we will discuss the remaining two. Until next time!