What, exactly, is a value bet? Unlike many poker terms, this particular expression is actually pretty clear; a value bet is a bet to increase the value of the pot, especially one you plan on winning.

A value bet is when you put out a bet hoping to get callers because you believe you have the pot locked down. If you are holding pocket aces, for example, and the board hits Five, Ten, Ace, you can be reasonably sure that your set of aces is in the lead. Many players—especially many inexperienced players—will try to slow play this lead, thinking it an advanced play. Slow playing is advanced, but precisely because it works much less often than inexperienced players think it does. You, on the other hand, know your opponents and their playing styles, and make a value bet. You don’t put too much out there to scare them off, but you do put enough out there to suggest you think you are in the lead. Hopefully one or more of your opponents will be drawing to something you can beat, like two pair, and will play along.

Often a value bet is made on the river, once you have seen all the cards and can be reasonably sure you have the winning hand. If you have had the lead with a pair of aces, for example, but were nervous about the flush draw on the board, an indifferent suit hitting on the river lets you know any drawing hands missed, and your bet is put out in hopes that a second pair has been holding on till the end.

Making value bets is an important part of the poker player’s arsenal—getting the most out of a winning hand is a tricky proposition, and one that is key to long term profitability.