Probe Bet
A small bet made when the previous round's aggressor checks.
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What Is Probe Bet?
A probe bet is typically made by a player who was not the aggressor on the previous street but takes the initiative after their opponent shows weakness by checking. It often carries a smaller sizing than a standard continuation bet and can represent a range of value hands and opportunistic bluffs, since the checking opponent has signaled a capped, weaker range.
Examples
After the preflop raiser checked the turn, the caller made a probe bet to take advantage of the perceived weakness.
Her small probe bet on the river got a fold from an opponent unwilling to defend a capped range.
Strategy Tips
Look for probe bet opportunities whenever the previous aggressor checks, since it usually signals a weaker or capped range. Use smaller sizing for probe bets, since you're often targeting fold equity against a range that's already shown some weakness. Be selective about probing against opponents who check strong hands intentionally to trap, and adjust your frequency based on their known tendencies. Combine probe betting with reads on board texture, since certain runouts favor the checking player's range more than others.