Reasons to bet

[Dobbler1]

Sometimes, especially when I was a new player, the only reason I needed to bet was "because (I think) I have the best hand".

I can only think of 3 reasons to bet now:

1. To build the pot when I have the best hand.
2. To make worse hands fold.
3. To protect a made hand from a draw.

Are there other reasons to bet that I'm missing, or can it all be boiled down to those three?

 

[Risto234]

The best reason to bet is clearly "i dont care"

 

[Markjduk]

Betting for value or betting as a bluff are the only the reasons to bet.

 

[Dobbler1]

Betting for value or betting as a bluff are the only the reasons to bet.

So protecting a made hand from a isn't a good reason to bet?

 

[Rost]

I think you have described quite clearly all the basic and most important reasons for the bet. But don't forget that only experienced players have such an understanding. Most of our opponents will always bet for the sake of bet.

 

[gustavofuentes2]

Yeah, when your very angry about losing the previous hand, just go all in. That is angry poker. It doesn't always work but it sure feels good.

 

[IADaveMark]

Otherwise known as:

• Value
• Fold equity
• Pot control (seems ironic b/c you can also check for pot control)

 

[IADaveMark]

Betting for value or betting as a bluff are the only the reasons to bet.

This isn't entirely true. For example, when you have a medium-strength hand but a good draw... are you betting for value or a bluff? And this is why it is called a semi-bluff.

 

[ROYALROAD]

If you have lost your previous hand, you may be able to recover by folding to keep calm.

 

[Dobbler1]

This isn't entirely true. For example, when you have a medium-strength hand but a good draw... are you betting for value or a bluff? And this is why it is called a semi-bluff.

Yes, and preflop it's even more complicated. AK suited is a "drawing" hand preflop and pocket 2s is a "made" hand, but most people will agree that it's much smarter to 3bet the "drawing" hand than the made hand preflop.

 

[Phoenix Wright]

Sometimes, especially when I was a new player, the only reason I needed to bet was "because (I think) I have the best hand".

I can only think of 3 reasons to bet now:

1. To build the pot when I have the best hand.
2. To make worse hands fold.
3. To protect a made hand from a draw.

Are there other reasons to bet that I'm missing, or can it all be boiled down to those three?

I think you've got the 3 quality reasons unless I'm forgetting any too:

1. Value bet
2. Get worse hands to fold (bluff)
3. Protection bet

 

[Phoenix Wright]

The best reason to bet is clearly "i dont care"

This "donk betting" doesn't count