One of the best ways to earn big pots in buy in or free poker online games is to know when and how much to bet. Easier said than done of course and one of the biggest mistakes I see in relation to this lofty goal is over-betting. Here are the sort of scenarios where you might fall foul of this and my suggestions of how to play them out well.

There will inevitably be an occasion when playing where you have a great hand. To built up the pot, you need to keep other players in the game. But, as we all know, this is poker and there are times when it wont go to plan.

If, on the other hand, the flop is such that you could be outdrawn and you don't want to take a chance, then bet it accordingly.

For Example:

You are in third position, (three seats after the small blind), with pocket sevens (7 diamonds, 7 hearts). You raise three times the big blind and get two callers, the button and the big blind. The flop comes 7-clubs, 8-clubs, 9-diamonds. This is good and bad. You hit your trips, but there is a flush draw and a straight draw. What to do?

What I would do....

#1. If the blind bets, say minimum or twice the blind, I would raise the minimum to see how the button reacts. If he calls, and the blind calls, I can assume they are on a draw and I have the best hand. For now. If either one re-raises I fold.

#2. If the blind checks I would bet four times the blind amount, again to see where I am. Now if the button calls or raises I can assume he has a strong drawing hand, such as two big clubs, or he has a made hand. If the blind also calls I can assume I am way behind. Still, there should be enough money in the pot to justify a call hoping to fill up on the turn.

Regardless what the turn is I plan on checking. If the turn is a six or ten and the blind bets big I fold. If the blind checks, I check. If the button bets the pot or more, I fold. Now, I have lost some chips, but I am still in the game.

Whether playing free poker online or pay poker, the over betting I have seen in situations like this is that the trips bet 80% to 100% (all-in) of their stack regardless of the flop or their position. If one of the other players flopped a straight you are in big trouble. You need to be pretty lucky now and get a full house or else your game is over.

The thing to remember is that if you have gone all-in, you cant change your mind later! If you are new to poker then I would advise you spend some time playing free poker. This should help you improve your game no end and help you move on to big money games.