When to Bet Small

Upswing Poker Level-Up

15 or so years ago small bets were used quite rarely by great poker players. But since then, the usage of small bets has grown as players realized how much expected value they can add to their overall strategy. Using small bets at the right time will allow you to win more pots and put your opponents in tough spots, so this is a vital topic.

Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood cover the factors that should push you towards betting small and cover specific hand examples in this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up.

Pre-register for the upcoming Road to Victory tournament course by Darren Elias and Nick Petrangelo: https://upswingpoker.com/road-to-victory-pre-reg/

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Small Bet Strategies

03:13 When to Use Smaller Bet Sizes

04:17 Defining Small Bet Sizes

06:17 Factors That Make You Want to Bet Small

10:37 Specific Examples of Small Bet Situations

13:13 Betting Strategy on Paired Boards

16:42 Disconnected Boards and Small Bets

21:01 Small Bets in Three-Bet Pots

24:30 Upcoming Episode and Course Promotion

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Gary Blackwood break down the essential strategies for using small bets in various poker situations. As they explore when and why to bet small, they provide insights that can help you enhance your overall game and make more informed decisions at the table. Whether you're navigating single-raised pots or tackling tricky three-bet scenarios, this episode offers practical advice on how to optimize your betting strategy with smaller sizes.

The discussion kicks off with a comparison between small and big bet sizes, emphasizing the different scenarios where each is most effective. Mike and Gary dive into the key concepts of range advantage and nut advantage, explaining how these factors should influence your decision to bet small. They also discuss the importance of understanding pot odds, the frequency of bluffs, and how to maintain balance in your betting strategy.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into specific situations where small bets are most effective. For example, Mike and Gary cover single-raised pots on paired boards, disconnected boards, and monotone flops, explaining why small bet sizes often make sense in these contexts. They also delve into three-bet pots, highlighting how to adjust your strategy based on the board texture and your overall range.

The episode also touches on advanced concepts, such as when to use even smaller bet sizes, like 10% or 25%, in certain spots. Mike and Gary provide practical examples to help you understand when these tiny bets can add expected value to your strategy, offering tips on how to implement them effectively without sacrificing equity.

As the episode concludes, the hosts preview their next discussion on when to bet big, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of betting strategies. This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable advice that can help you refine your approach to small bets and take your game to the next level. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, this episode provides the tools you need to make more profitable decisions at the poker table. Tune in, take notes, and elevate your poker strategy with expert guidance from Mike and Gary.