Overbet
A bet that is larger than the current pot size. Used strategically to apply maximum pressure.
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What Is Overbet?
Overbets are typically part of a highly polarized range, containing either the strongest possible hands or bluffs, since medium-strength hands generally can't withstand a raise after such a large bet. Overbetting is especially effective when a player holds the nut advantage or when the board runout favors their range more than their opponent's. Modern solver-based strategy has increased the popularity of overbetting compared to traditional pot-sized betting norms.
Examples
On the river, he overbet the pot by 150% with the nuts, hoping his opponent's top pair would pay him off.
The turn overbet was pure bluff, designed to fold out any medium-strength hand.
Strategy Tips
Reserve overbets for polarized situations where your range genuinely contains the nuts and credible bluffs, not just marginal value hands. Use overbets when you hold the nut or range advantage on a given board texture. Be cautious about overbetting into opponents who rarely fold, since it only makes sense against ranges capable of folding. Consider your opponent's tendencies; overbets are far more effective against thinking players than against calling stations.