Poker Veteran of 50 Years: 'It's all about the betting'

There is probably nothing more important in the game of poker than the betting.

Whether you are playing cash games or tournaments, no-limit hold 'em, limit games, or even mixed games like HORSE, betting is one of the most effective tools in your arsenal to gather chips and stay ahead of the game.

After all, there are only two things you can control when playing poker — whether you want to play or fold a hand, and the betting.

That’s it!

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Betting is the universal language of poker, used to communicate information about your hand — overtly, by initiating the betting action or raising and, subliminally, by calling or checking. That’s what differentiates poker from other mainstream card games.
 
It is the betting that enables you to control the action of the game, forcing players to react and reveal information about their hands. Bets are the ammunition you use to gather chips and keep your opponents at bay. All successful poker strategy starts and ends with the betting.
 
How you bet and bet-sizing can also reveal volumes about the player, their playing style, and tendencies. It can be used effectively to disguise the strength and weakness of a hand, all the while building a pot.
 
Every hand starts with small and big blinds — mandatory bets that are posted by the two players immediately to the left of the dealer in order to stimulate the action. 

One could fill all the shelves in a department store with how many different bet types there are. Becoming familiar with the array of betting options is important for when to use these bets and how to make the most of your turn to instigate action. There are at least four betting opportunities when a hand is played through to the river. 

The pressure imposed by good betting practices provides you with your greatest advantage — to impose your will and force your opponents into making difficult decisions.

Let’s talk a bit about a few of the different types of bets, when they are used and the strategies associated with them. 

The bet-sizing for each of these actions varies, depending on the strength of your hand, your position on the table, as well as your effective stack size. I'll share more in future columns, but here are some of the most commonly used bets and their strategy:

• Call: This most frequently used bet when a player matches the bet of another player and allows them to continue in the hand and see another card.
• Raise: This bet increases the amount of the current bet, alerting the remaining players that you have a hand you wish to protect.
• Check raise: Often used in early position when your initial check disguises the strength of your hand, and the raise tries to trap your opponent.
• Continuation bet: This bet is generally made after the flop by the player who made the initial bet, pre-flop. It’s a sign of strength, with hopes of getting hands that didn’t hit the flop to fold right then and there.
• Bluff: Betting large enough to convince your opponent to fold their hand regardless of what you have. Often made when a player senses weakness, or in combination with draws, weak pairs, and anytime a player feels frisky. Played at the end of a tournament or near the bubble when players are trying to keep the chips and are hesitant to call.
• Value net: Usually made on the river, with what you think is the best hand, trying to get some value from the opponent.
• All-in net:  Betting all your chips is a strong move when you have a good hand or want to intimidate challengers. Always draws attention. The "come and get it" bet!

Remember, betting is a very powerful tool that can work well when used properly. Always choose your action carefully and be mindful to bet cautiously. Uncontrolled betting can have a downside with a main risk for losing chips and, ultimately, the game.
 
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