In limit hold’em poker, you should be very aggressive. Most of the time other players will call your value bet even with weak cards. In no limit, things can be a bit trickier.

You also need to consider the type of opponent you are against when value betting. Casual players will call on your bet if he thinks he holds strong cards which can be good as what you have. If you feel that the casual player has a weak hand, don’t push in much chips since you want him or her to call.

If you are against stronger players, you need to consider what that opponent thinks you have. A casual player does not mind your cards but only his own but stronger poker players also think of what cards you have.

When value betting against a strong player, you need to bet based on what you have, what you think he has, and what you think he is believing that you have.

Value betting is actually very situational. It is pretty complicated to encompass in one article. It takes a lot of games and practice to feel your way into making most of value bets.

Money in the Pot

How much you will bet of course depends on how much is at stake. Before betting or raising, you should check out how much is in the pot. How much you will add to the pot will affect the decision of your opponents, and it is up for you to react to the incorrect or correct odds they call.

The ¾ of the Pot Rule

If you think you have a monster with your cards in No Limit Holdem then, by all means, go ¾ of the pot. If you want to make the field thin and see some opponents fold then this is the way to go. Making small bets might help your opponents outdraw you.

The situation can be different if you want to appear weak and lead other players into a trap.

Before the Flop Raise

When you are raising before the flop, you should consider shelling out about three or four times the amount of the big blind. You can also add some bet to it if there players before you who are limpers.

Betting will allow you to control the odds and catch your opponents off guard. Remember to check out the pot before doing anything on the table.