Having trouble with bet sizes, please help!

[scgolfer]

I am having trouble with bet sizes, for instance playing NL I get AKs preflop and raise to pot size or so depending on table, players, position etc. I catch a K on the flop, top pair. Depending on position and flop(straight or flush draws, board pairs) I place a $2 or $3 bet. It seems as though I rarely get any callers, and thus make very little on a decent hand. I realize I should be happy taking the pot there and not letting anyone draw me out, but I seem not to be getting the value I should. Playing more premium hands, such as trips,is easier because of some slow playing options such as small bet, check, big bet. I think by me just writing this down I have come to a better mind set that having top pair top kicker is not anywhere near the nuts, and I should be happy with taking down a pot that was at least raised preflop. But any suggestions would be appreciated. Great site!

[Ragingguitarist18]

well I think your betting is fine, better to win a small pot than to lose a big one, those little pots do add up over time.

[SteveO]

Sounds to me like you are betting correctly. Table selection/conditions will change this. Sounds like you were on a tight table that was respecting your raises and pot size bets. Sometimes you will play where it will be near impossible to bet out some maniacs. Then you'll have to be all in to push them around.

Under those conditions, you can potentially make a little more by stealing some pots w/ a bluff. Losen up your starting hands, or just be satisfied winning small pots.