Geometric bet sizing: getting all the money in by the river
Geometric bet sizing means betting the same fraction of the pot on each street so that your whole stack goes in by the river. It’s a simple way to plan value bets with very strong hands.
The idea
Section titled “The idea”Each bet makes the pot bigger, so later bets are bigger in chips even at the same fraction. If you pick the right fraction, three bets add up exactly to your stack.
Example
Section titled “Example”Pot on the flop: $10. Effective stacks behind: $100. You have a set and want all the money in by the river.
Betting about 88% of the pot each street does it:
| Street | Pot before bet | Bet (≈88%) | Pot after call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flop | $10 | $8.80 | $27.60 |
| Turn | $27.60 | $24.30 | $76.20 |
| River | $76.20 | ≈$66.90 (all in) | — |
Total bet ≈ $100 — the whole stack.
With smaller stacks (lower SPR), the fraction is smaller; with deeper stacks, it’s bigger — sometimes needing overbets. See overbet.
Quick guide
Section titled “Quick guide”| SPR on the flop | Geometric size (3 streets) |
|---|---|
| About 3 | ~45% pot |
| About 5 | ~60% pot |
| About 10 | ~88% pot |
When to use it
Section titled “When to use it”- With very strong hands against opponents who will call down. See getting paid with monsters.
- On wet boards where you want to charge draws. See wet boards.
When not to
Section titled “When not to”- With medium hands: you don’t want stacks in. See pot control.
- Against players who fold to big bets — smaller sizes may earn more. See thin value.
See also bet sizing.
What is geometric bet sizing?
Section titled “What is geometric bet sizing?”Betting the same fraction of the pot on each street so the whole stack goes in by the river.
What size gets 100bb in from a 10bb pot over three streets?
Section titled “What size gets 100bb in from a 10bb pot over three streets?”About 88% of the pot on each street.
When should I use geometric sizing?
Section titled “When should I use geometric sizing?”With very strong hands against opponents likely to call down, especially on wet boards.
Should I use geometric sizing with medium hands?
Section titled “Should I use geometric sizing with medium hands?”No. With medium hands you usually want to keep the pot smaller.