When to Beg
A beggar bet, which is small and seems to beg for a call, works as a fold equity strategy and bluff in certain situations. Basically, the bet is less than a third of the pot, and is best fired at small to medium pots that have less than 20 bets in them. Larger pots tends to encourage loose play, while small to medium pots are easier to abandon by poker players with marginal hands.
The beggar bet also works best against raggy boards that don’t offer any big hand possibilities. Seasoned poker online players recognize that the pot odds for calling are not favorable and will most likely release their hands rather than chase after a small pot.
Another good opportunity to use a beggar bet is when you are heads up and the board pairs. If you know your opponent tends to play tight, then put out the beggar bet to appear as though you have made a big hand. It can be used to raise a river bet too when there appeared to be a draw on board that has not materialized. Anyone hoping to hit a straight or flush who has missed most likely will fold to a river bet.
Since most players in NL will perceive a small beggar bet as a way to disguise a big hand, use it sparingly to bluff opponents off small to medium pots. Remember this when you’re at the casino online.
