betting

when i hit say top pair i never know how much to bet half the pot the whole pot what should i do

This looks like a simple question, but it's actually quite complicated. I assume we're talking about the flop?

Taking the question literally, in cash games my default bet size on the flop when I bet the flop is about 2/3 pot - however, there are a lot of reasons that the betsize should change, based on preflop action, the board, the villain(s) playing the hand, my perception of villain's strength, and villain's perception of me/my strength. I never bet less than half pot when I bet the flop, and very rarely bet full pot (or more) on the flop.

I'm not a very good MTT player, but I bet much smaller on the flop (usually just over half pot) in MTT's because of the escalating blind/stack ratio. Someone who's better at MTT's might have a different suggestion.

If I hit top pair on the flop with a good kicker, I'll usually bet 2/3 the pot to see where I am.

I think that knowing what the "top pair"is might help...but also and i cant stress this enough...what position are you playing?Where holding say K-9 and the flop being 9,4,2....might be a good bet...if there was a preflop raise and your in early position...you could well be setting yourself up for a bad experience...providing more information may well get you more information.

There is no way to answer this question without knowing what position you are in. What are you playing ring or tourney? How many players are seeing the flop? Are you first to act, second, third or fourth? Like anything in poker it depends. What is the top pair, what is your kicker, what does the board look like, what are your opponents ranges?

I guess I just answered your question whit a bunch of other questions, LOL. But the point I'm trying to make is, there is no set amount. There are a lot of factors that you need to take in account. However, like others said 2/3 pot bet is pretty standard. But you wont get paid off for hands if you bet out 2/3 pot every time you hit top pair.

It depends on the position mainly mate....

EARLY IN TOURNAMENT:
If u are in a early position, i would say raise 2X...
If at late position, raise 4x...

LATE IN TOURNAMENT:
Early position:3x
Late position:4x

IF u r playing cash games, i would say 2x at early and 3x at late position....

Hope this tips help you !!!

2x, 4x, 3x... What? Are you talking about blinds? Once you've seen the flop you no longer think in terms of blinds, you bet in % of the pot.