In Fixed Limit Texas Hold em, the successful players are separated from the rest by how many extra bets they can extract from their opponents when they have the best hand, and how many they can save when they are beaten. One important way to pick up an extra bet that many players miss is the value bet. A value bet is a bet a player makes, generally on the river, which he expects to get called by a weaker hand. The value bettor does not necessarily have a great hand; just one that he thinks will be called by a weaker one.

Delicate adjustments are called for

There are certain times where it is sensible to bet for value and certain times where it is a mistake. If your opponent has been flat calling your top pair the whole way and a river card comes that can easily make a straight or flush, this is not an opportunity to make a value bet. If your opponent was drawing to a straight or flush and missed, he will fold; if he made it, he will raise you and cost you an extra bet. You also don’t want to bet for value against a tight player (reluctant to commit chips to the pot without a powerful hand). If a tight player is calling you to the river, he’s got something, and will only call your river bet if he has you beat.

Knowing your man (or woman)

It is far more sensible to bet for value when you have a decent hand and are facing a player who has shown a propensity to “keep people honest,” that is, he will call you down to the river to make you prove you have the best hand. Let’s say you have A, 7 in late position and the flop is A, 9, 2. The loose (very willing to put chips in the pot even without the best hand) player checks, you bet, and he calls. The turn is a J and he check-calls again. The river is a 5, and he checks. This is a good time to put in a value bet. Your hand is not that powerful, nearly any other Ace can beat you. However, a player like this will often suspect you are just trying to represent strength you don’t really have, and is likely to call you with any 9, any J, or even a variety of pocket pairs. This player could have a better Ace, but if he did he would probably have check-raised you on the turn, especially if two to a suit were on the board. Value betting can be a good way to earn an extra bet if timed correctly. Be sure you know your opponents before you attempt one. Always ask yourself what your opponent is likely to be holding based on their betting pattern, and this will help inform your decision. After a little practice you will get a feel for when it is a good time to throw in a value bet, and when it’s better to just check and take a showdown.

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