Tools
Bet-Sizing Calculator
Pick a size. See how often the defender must call — and the value-to-bluff mix that makes it unexploitable.
—Defender must continue this often (MDF)
—Value : bluff
The bettor's balanced range at this size
Value
Bluff
— bluffs · defender needs — to call profitably
MDF = pot ÷ (pot + bet): defend at least this often or a pure bluff prints. The balanced bluff share = bet ÷ (pot + 2·bet). Against players who can't punish you, exploit — don't balance.
Frequently asked
- What is minimum defense frequency (MDF)?
- MDF is the share of your range you must continue with so a bet cannot profit purely as a bluff. It equals pot ÷ (pot + bet) — 50% against a pot-sized bet, about 67% against a half-pot bet.
- What is the right value-to-bluff ratio?
- At a given size the balanced bluff fraction is bet ÷ (pot + 2·bet). A pot-sized bet is 2 value to 1 bluff; a half-pot bet is 3 to 1; bigger bets support more bluffs.
- How much equity do I need to defend?
- To call a bet you need bet ÷ (pot + 2·bet) equity — 33% versus a pot-sized bet, 25% versus a half-pot bet.
- Should I always play a balanced range?
- No. Balance stops a strong opponent from exploiting you, but against players who fold too much or call too much, deviating wins more.