Bet
A bet is chips put into the pot, usually the first wager in a betting round.
The simple explanation
To bet is to put chips into the pot voluntarily when nobody else has done so in that round. The first wager in a round of betting is the bet; later increases are raises. Betting is the basic action of poker: it shows confidence in your hand, builds the pot or tries to make opponents fold.
A closer look
Bet size is a strategic choice. A bet can be made for value, to be called by weaker hands, or as a bluff, to make better hands fold. In fixed-limit games the size is set, while in no-limit games you choose it. The amount you bet changes the odds you give your opponent, so it also controls how often he calls. In many games a bet means the first wager of a round, and a raise is every wager after it.
A practical example
The first player to act puts 10 chips in the pot. Others can call, raise or fold.
Full explanation
A bet is chips put into the pot, usually the first wager in a betting round.
As a noun, a bet is any wager made during a poker game. As a verb, it means the action of placing chips into the pot. It is most often used for the first bet of a round, with additional bets usually called raises.
Betting is a fundamental action. It signals confidence in your hand and builds the pot, and it can be used to bluff.
The size of the bet has a major effect on how opponents respond.
In fixed-limit games, the bet is a set amount.
The first bet on a street
No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake
The flop is dealt and the pot is 12. Nobody has bet on this street yet.
Read the example transcript
Player A has the button (BTN) and posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player B posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).
- Flop · Pot: 12 chips
The flop is dealt and the pot is 12. Nobody has bet on this street yet.
Board: KKing of hearts (Kh)88 of diamonds (8d)33 of clubs (3c)
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of clubs (Ac)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Player B BB QQueen of hearts (Qh)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Flop · Pot: 18 chips
Player B puts in 6. This is a bet: it opens this street’s wagering. Player A can fold, call 6, or make a legal raise.
Board: KKing of hearts (Kh)88 of diamonds (8d)33 of clubs (3c)
- Player A BTN / SB AAce of clubs (Ac)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
- Player B BB QQueen of hearts (Qh)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 188 · In this round 6
Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.