Poker Glossary
Poker glossary

Overbet

An overbet is a bet that is larger than the current pot. For example, a bet of 24 into a pot of 12 is an overbet.

The simple explanation

Normally players bet a part of the pot. An overbet is more than the pot, so the opponent must risk more than he can win.

A closer look

Overbets are used with a polarized range: very strong hands and bluffs. They put great pressure on the opponent, who must have a strong hand to call. They are common on rivers and on boards where one player has a big range advantage. A balanced strategy needs both value and bluffs in an overbet.

A practical example

The pot is 12 and a player bets 24. This is an overbet of twice the pot.

Full explanation

An overbet is a bet that is larger than the current pot. For example, a bet of 24 into a pot of 12 is an overbet.

An overbet is a bet larger than the pot.

It puts heavy pressure on the opponent.

It goes with a polarized range.

Balance value and bluffs.

Alternative spelling: over-bet, over bet

An overbet

No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake

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).

  1. Preflop · Pot: 3 chips

    The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. Heads-up, the dealer (D) also posts the small blind.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of clubs (Ac)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
    • Player B BB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of hearts (8h) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  2. Preflop · Pot: 8 chips

    Player A raises to 6 before the flop.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of clubs (Ac)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of hearts (8h) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
  3. Preflop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B calls. Each player has put in 6 chips.

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of clubs (Ac)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
    • Player B BB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of hearts (8h) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
  4. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    The pot is 12 chips.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)7 of clubs (7c)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of clubs (Ac)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of hearts (8h) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  5. Flop · Pot: 12 chips

    Player B checks.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)7 of clubs (7c)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of clubs (Ac)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
    • Player B BB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of hearts (8h) · Stack 194 · In this round 0
  6. Flop · Pot: 36 chips

    Player A bets 24 into the pot of 12. A bet larger than the pot is an overbet.

    Board: Ace of spades (As)7 of clubs (7c)2 of diamonds (2d)

    • Player A BTN / SB Ace of clubs (Ac)King of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 170 · In this round 24
    • Player B BB 9 of hearts (9h)8 of hearts (8h) · Stack 194 · In this round 0

Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.

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