Learn Texas Holdem

In limit Texas hold'em poker, it is of extreme importance to know when to value bet. Limit hold'em is about winning extra bets, not winning big pots. Being able to win one more bet than your opponent is what separates the pros from the amateurs. As important as it is to know when to value bet in limit Texas hold'em, it's just as important to know when not to value bet.

When Shouldn't You Value Bet in Limit Texas Hold'em?

Value betting is a bet made when you are pretty sure you have the best hand and would like to get an extra bet into the pot. You usually will not value bet with a marginal hand, and you may not want to bet with a monster if it is well disguised.

Example 1: Scare Card, Multiple Opponents

You hold Ks Qh and the flop is Kd 9h 8s. An opponent checks, you bet, someone behind you calls and the opponent who checked calls. The turn is a 7d.

The first opponent checks, you bet and both players call. The river is the As. The first opponent checks. You don't usually want to bet for value here. In a limit game, it is very easy for one or both opponents to have called along with an ace.

If you bet and both opponents missed what they were going for, they will fold and you would have won at a showdown anyway. If one of them was hanging on to an ace, he will raise, leaving you in a tough spot especially if the other opponent calls.

On the other hand, if you check here, your last opponent may check behind, letting you see the showdown for free. If he bets, you will have to decide if he is bluffing, although if he is called or raised by the first opponent, it will be easier to get away from your hand.

Example 2: Disguised Monster

You are first to act with Kd 9d. The flop is Ad 9c 3s. You check, and opponent bets. Several opponents call and you call because of the pot odds. The turn is the 8d. An opponent bets, two players call and you call.

The river is the 7d. In many cases, you want to lead out on the river if you make a flush in limit hold'em. Here however, the flush is well disguised since it came runner runner. In addition, you have other players in the pot who may have made a flush or try to represent one. If an early one bets, you may be able to sandwich your opponents for a check-raise.