Playing value bet poker is key if you want to be a successful player. There is nothing better than playing a hand well and then getting paid off on the end. The key word is getting paid off. Too many times I see poker players push their opponents out of the pot when they have the nuts by betting too large.

Why would you want to do that?

The value of the value bet is that it is a bet that will likely be called most of the time. Here are the keys to making the correct value bet in no particular order.

1. Know where your opponent is in the hand. The stronger the hand the more likely they are to call.
2. Know how many chips your opponent has at all times. This is key in understanding how much your opponent can afford to lose and sizing your bet properly.
3. Don’t simply push all-in just because you have the nuts unless you are confident you are going to get the call.

Remember, pushing your opponent out of the post costs you money. Take your time and size your bet properly so that you get the call on the end. If you can do this consistently the value bet will be a big time asset to you in both tournament and cash game action.