Overbet
A bet larger than the size of the pot. Overbets are polarised by nature and are used to extract maximum value from the nuts or to put maximum pressure on a capped range.
Frequently asked questions
What is an overbet in poker?
Any bet larger than the pot, only possible in no-limit and pot-limit above the pot cap. Common sizes run from 125% to twice the pot, or an outright shove.
When should you overbet?
When you hold a range advantage with hands the opponent cannot beat — typically on boards where you can have the nuts and they cannot, or on rivers where their range is capped. The large size forces them to defend with hands that are clearly behind or fold too often.
Why do solvers overbet so much?
Because a larger bet applies more pressure for the same amount of bluffing, and the extra value from the hands that get called outweighs the folds. Human players under-use the size, which is partly why strong opponents find it profitable.