Making the value bet. It’s probably one of the most over looked tactics in poker. Everyone wants to win the big pot and that’s understandable. Who doesn’t want to send a guy to the rail? However, the importance of the value bet cannot be overstated whether in a cash game or tournament.

Time after time, particularly with players new to the game, we see players that hold the best hand after the river that will push their opponent out of the pot. Why would anyone in their right mind want to do that? The idea of betting on the river is to keep your opponent in the pot. Yet, we see all-in bets almost as if it is second nature by the player with the best hand.

So what should you do when the river hits and you have the best hand?

The first thing I want to do is evaluate how many chips my opponent has in his stack. Second, I want to determine how much my opponent will call based on his stack size. Only then can I move forward and make the correct bet in order to reap the benefits of a well played hand.

Just think about it the next time you have the nuts and the last card has been dealt. You need to make a bet that you are fairly confident will be called. Only then are you truly getting your moneys worth.