River Play
Main Goals of a River Bet
- Value Bet — get called by worse hands.
- Bluff — make a better hand fold.
- Information Bet — rarely used.
Most river mistakes come from missing value or over-bluffing.
Basic Bet Structure
- 50% pot — universal sizing.
- 70% pot — strong value or large bluff.
- Overbet (100–120%) — vs capped ranges, maximum exploit.
- Small bet (30–35%) — thin value or block bet.
- Check — pot control, balance, induce bluffs.
Reading Opponent Bet Sizings
| Opponent Sizing | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| Small | Thin value, weakness, blocking bet |
| Medium (50%) | Universal — value or bluff |
| Large (70%) | Strong value or large bluff |
| Overbet (100%+) | Polarized — nuts or air |
Betting Strategy
Value Bets
- 50–70% — extract from weaker hands.
- 30% — thin value with vulnerable hands (e.g., second pair, top pair no kicker).
- 100%+ — if expecting frequent calls from worse (e.g., recreational players who don’t fold).
Bluffs
- Only with sufficient fold equity.
- 70%+ — to fold out strong hands (two pairs, top pair).
- 30% — rarely, as a blocking bluff to fold out high card hands.
Specific Scenarios
Example 1: BB vs BTN, check-check / bet / bet line
- Opponent is capped.
- Can use overbet for value or bluff.
Example 2: We have two pair, board completes draws
- Often best to check if all straights/boats beat us.
- Sometimes bet 30% to get called by one-pair hands.
Example 3: We have A-high on a dry board after check-check-check
- Can bet 30% as a thin bluff to fold out K-high.
Example 4: We have a missed draw vs recreational player
- Avoid bluffing if opponent does not fold.
River Bet Summary
| Goal | Sizing | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value | 50–70% | Strong hand, expect call from worse |
| Thin value | 30–35% | Second pair, top pair no kicker |
| Bluff | 70%+ | If likely to fold out strong hands |
| Block-bluff | 30% | Rarely, to fold out high cards |
| Overbet value | 100–120% | Vs capped / calling weak hands |
| Overbet bluff | 100–120% | Max exploit to fold out strong but capped hand |
Practical Tips
- Never bet without a clear purpose.
- Identify which worse hands will call or which better hands will fold.
- Avoid bluffing recreational players who do not fold.
- Use varied sizings to balance your ranges.
- Remember: River is the decision street — stay focused.
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