What is Bet in Poker?

Definition of a Bet

A bet is the first voluntary placement of chips (or money) into the pot during a hand. A player can only bet if no one else has already made a bet in that round. If a bet has already been made by someone, the next player cannot bet again — they can only call (match the bet), raise (increase the bet), or fold (give up the hand).

What is betting used for?

Initiative is the key to victory. In poker, winning is achieved through proactive action, and the primary function of betting is to seize the initiative and take control of the hand. You can (and should) bet for other reasons too:

• To build the pot. This type of bet is called a value bet. If you have a strong hand (or combination), you bet to extract maximum value from your opponent's weak hands.
• To protect your equity of hand. Betting prevents other players from seeing new cards for free (or cheap) that could improve their hands. It’s especially effective when the board is draw-heavy or when you are holding a vulnerable made hand.
• To bluff. A bluff bet can make your opponents believe in the strength of your hand and fold, even if you have a weak hand. Bluffing also helps to keep your range balanced.

Types of bets

There are several types of bets in poker. They vary depending on who is making the bet and on which street (betting round) it's made.

• Donk bet (or lead bet) – is when a player who wasn’t the aggressor on the previous street unexpectedly leads out into the preflop raiser (or previous aggressor) on the next street. This move often “donks” into the aggressor, surprising them and disrupting standard flow. It can represent strength, be a semi-bluff or probe for information.
• Continuation bet (c-bet) - the idea is in the name - when a player who made a bet in the previous stage (for example preflop raiser) continues that aggression on the flop, turn, or river. 

Example

Let's consider the situation in Texas Hold'em.

You're facing two opponents on the flop with the top pair top kicker. Both players check, showing weakness. Since you are most likely ahead, you decide to bet for value and protection. Your goal is to extract chips from weaker hands and deny free equity to possible draws.

This is a classic example of value betting combined with protection, which are two fundamental elements of solid post-flop play.

Tips for beginners

1. It's best for beginning players to focus on value betting, i.e., with strong made hands. Leave bluffs and semi-bluffs for later, when you will be more confident.
2. Choose a bet size that denies correct pot odds and makes it unprofitable for vilians to continue with weak or draw hands.
3. If you do use semi-bluffs in your game, bet the same size with both strong and weak hands. This will help you stay balanced and unpredictable.

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