Bet sizing
Every bet sets two prices: how often they need to win to call, and how often your bluff must work.
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The pot is $100. You can bet any amount you like. What actually changes as the bet gets bigger?
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A bet is a price you offer them. Bet $50 and they pay $50 to win $200. They need to win 25% of the time.
- 03, open this step in the interactive version
Bet the full pot, $100, and they need 33%. Bigger bets ask more of the hands that call.
- 04, open this step in the interactive version
If you’re bluffing, the bet is your price too. A $50 bluff risks $50 to win $100. It must work one time in three.
- 05, open this step in the interactive version
A $100 bluff risks $100 to win $100. Now it has to work half the time.
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Every size is a trade. Bigger bets make calling harder, and make bluffing more expensive.
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A third of the pot: they need 20%, your bluff needs 25%. Twice the pot: they need 40%, your bluff needs 67%.
- 08, open this step in the interactive version
Try any size. Watch both prices move together.