Phil Hellmuth knows how to use value bets with maximum effect. And proper use of value bets makes a difference in Texas Holdem poker. Therefore it is extremely important to learn how to place value bets. But by the way, what is a value bet? Generally, aim of a value bet is to increase the size of pot. And the aim describes value bet best of all.

If you wish to use this Texas Holdem poker tool effectively you need to analyze some information about your opponents:

Strength of the cards. Obviously, if your opponents consider their cards strong enough, they will call your bet.

Their thoughts about your cards. If your opponent thinks that you have the strongest cards, he/she most likely won’t put money in the pot. But at the same time if your opponents are almost sure that you have best cards, you still can make them put money in the pot. Just place a small bet and most opponents will call.

Their readiness to fold. Some Texas Holdem poker players do not tend to fold good cards at all. In most cases such opponents are ready to call value bet if they have good pocket cards. At the same they do not care about the concrete situation and they call having pocket AA without thinking about cards on the table.

There are many players with opposite Texas Holdem style. They are extremely careful and fold at every dangerous situation. And it is not an easy task to make them put money in a pot. Therefore the best strategy in such cases is to place small bets trying to make them put at least something.

How many chips they are ready to use to call your bet . Most Texas Holdem players set certain limits. For example, they set limit on calls. For some of them it is an absolute value. For others it’s a certain percentage of a stake. Half of the stake of a player is the most common limit.

You posses information. And how to use it then?

Effective use of value bets seems to be an easy task. Especially if you have answers to the questions you saw above. But even if you know your opponents and can predict their actions it is difficult to make right decision about the size of value bets. Predicting the best size of value bet is crucial.

Most experts say that value bets should not be too big. Even small value bets will bring you profits in a long run. But if you place big bets all the time your opponents will fold. Therefore you won’t be able to win much.

Example:

Let’s say, your opponent is ready to call $50 bet. If you place $40, you will lose $10 and it just 20 % of the bet. But if your bet is $60 your opponent will fold. Thereby you will lose $50!

Unearned money is lost money. You need to remember this Texas Holdem rule. And inefficient use of value bets will generate losses. Even when you win money taking pot you have to analyze your actions and if you made a mistake it is important to avoid such blunders in the future.

So, once again, proper use of value bets is very important in Texas Holdem. You can earn money without this tool. But you will never be able to break the big bank without value bets.

Also recommended:

1. Tip for beginners of Texas Holdem poker: stop bluffing
2. Five typical mistakes of Texas Holdem poker beginners
3. Texas Holdem tips for beginners made easy
4. DO NOTS of Texas Holdem tournaments: part 1