If you’re a poker player, you’ve likely heard of a “probe bet.” But what exactly is a probe bet, and when should you use it?
What is a probe bet?
A probe bet is a bet made on the turn or river by a player who was not the aggressor on the previous street. The purpose of the probe bet is to gain information about the strength of your opponent’s hand.
Let’s say you’re playing Texas Hold’em and you’re in the big blind. The player on the button raises, and you call. The flop comes down 8♠ 7♥ 2♣, and you check. The button bets, and you call. The turn is the 5♠, and you check again. At this point, the button may check back, hoping to see a free river card, or may bet again, believing that you don’t have a strong hand.
This is where the probe bet comes in. If the button checks back on the turn, you can make a small bet on the river, hoping to get some information about their hand. If they call your bet, they likely have a medium-strength hand, and if they raise, they likely have a strong hand. If they fold, they likely had a weak hand or missed their draw.
The key to a successful probe bet is sizing. You want to make a small enough bet that your opponent will call with a weaker hand but not so small that they will call with any two cards. A bet of around 30-40% of the pot is usually a good size for a probe bet.
Probe bets can also be used when you’re in position. Let’s say you’re on the button and your opponent checks to you on the turn. You can make a small bet to gain information about their hand. If they call your bet, they likely have a medium-strength hand, and if they raise, they likely have a strong hand. If they fold, they likely had a weak hand or missed their draw.
One thing to keep in mind is that probe bets should not be used too often. If you make a probe bet every time you’re not the aggressor on the previous street, your opponents will catch on quickly and adjust their play accordingly. Use probe bets selectively, and only when you think they will be effective.
In conclusion, a probe bet is a useful tool in a poker player’s arsenal. It allows you to gain information about your opponent’s hand and potentially win the pot without having to show your cards. Just remember to use probe bets selectively and to size them appropriately. Good luck at the tables!