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The definition of value betting is putting your opponent on a made hand, but less strong than the one you hold. By value betting you will try to determine how much you are able to extract from your opponent without making him fold.

An important factor to make good value bets is having the correct read on your opponents. You need to keep track of patterns while playing, always observe, even out of the hand. Gather as much information as possible. Evaluate all hands played pre-flop, on the flop, on the turn, and on the river.

You will most likely have a natural guess on how much to bet when you have the required information on your opponents.

Limit poker value betting

In limit poker you should always make aggressive bets to build up the pot, because bets are low compared to the pot. Opponents will often call, thinking you are bluffing, or hoping to improve.

Value bet example

You hold K♠Q♥ and raise four times the big blind in middle position and get one caller.

The flop comes: K♦Q♦4♥.

Your hand:

Two pair Kings and Queens.

Possible hands your opponent may hold that can beat you:

Trips Kings, Trips Queens or Trips Fours.

Possible hands your opponent may hold that can't beat you:

Top Pair Kings, Middle Pair Queens or Two Pair.

Possible drawing hands your opponent may hold:

Flush Draw, or Straight Draw.

Let's assume that your opponent (quite a passive player) called your raise with AK, no matter what suit. We now put him on top pair with the highest possible kicker. Not many players will fold out of this situation, especially considering the hands he might put you on as well.

This is a perfect situation to start value betting, though, representing too much strength may make your opponent think too much and possibly lay down his hand.