Underbetting

Underbetting is a poker term that describes a bet that is significantly smaller than what might be considered standard or expected in a given situation. In poker, players often bet to extract value from weaker hands, to bluff, or to protect their own hand. The size of a bet can communicate information about the strength of a player's hand or their intentions.

A standard bet size, particularly on the river when betting for value, is typically at least half the pot, and often closer to the full pot. Underbetting, by contrast, might involve betting a quarter of the pot or even less. This can occur on any street (preflop, flop, turn, or river) but is often discussed in the context of the river where decisions are final and value extraction is a primary goal.

There are several reasons why a player might choose to underbet. One is to induce bluffs from opponents who might fold to a larger bet. Another is to offer a cheap price for opponents to continue with marginal hands, hoping to induce calls from hands that might otherwise fold. It can also be a tactic to disguise a very strong hand, making it appear weaker than it is to encourage action. Conversely, underbetting can also be a sign of a weak hand or a bluff, attempting to get a cheap showdown or force a fold with little risk. The effectiveness of an underbet often depends on the specific opponent, table dynamics, and the perceived hand ranges of all players involved.