What is geometric betting and how to use it

Despite such a complicated name, geometric betting is a common thing used at poker tables. Even when playing on NolimitWay, players may encounter it without realising it. The idea is that geometric betting is a strong aid in taking stacks away from opponents, provided the player has a strong hold. Using this skill, one can make significant gains in poker.

Geometry of the Pot

There is a concept called “geometry”. This describes the bet-sizing used in the process, which affects the final pot size in the hand. In other words, big bet-sizing contributes to a big pot, while small bet-sizing contributes to a small pot.

The biggest impact on the final pot size comes from initial bets. Careful attention should be paid to how much is bet on the early streets, if a decision is made to follow the concept. You can use it to increase your winnings by at least 2 times. To do so, simply increase the size of the cont-bet on the flop from 30% to 70%. A similar theme works with the pre-flop.

The concept of Geometric Betting

Geometric Betting is defined as placing the same amount of bets on all remaining streets, so that the hand will be all-in the same size as the final bet on the river. To make it clear, let’s take an example.

On the turn, the player sees a pot of 14b. Behind his back he has 93 bb. Calculating geometrically, the bet is 139%. So the player on the turn should bet 19.5 bb. On the river, he’d call 139% and bet 73.5 bb all-in. The accuracy may ‘limp’, but the closeness is noted.

Geometric betting styles act as the most effective method of taking away opponents’ entire stack, provided a strong hand is available. However, careful calculations must be made and force majeure must be taken into account. Cards are not always available in suitable conditions for the chosen strategy.

Advice

The simplicity of calculations often plays a “cruel joke” with poker players. Before using geometric betting at the professional table or at the money table, one should practice. This will allow you to learn to identify situations where it is appropriate to apply the strategy.

A variety of game scenarios should also be considered. The use of the concept may require the application of an overbet. But if there is no natts advantage in the range, the concept should not be applied. In this situation, regular bets characterized by a smaller size should be preferred.

Geometric betting is aimed at maximizing one’s gain. But even professional poker players do not always apply the concept. One must be able to identify a situation where it can play to one’s advantage. A thoughtless application can significantly damage one’s gambling potential. Otherwise, losing is guaranteed.