Are Overbets Effective at Micro Stakes?

In low-stakes cash games, I often see players making huge overbets with top pair. Do you think this strategy works at micro limits, or does it just scare away weaker players who would otherwise call smaller bets?

Yes as people hate to fold, so go for max value

The answer is actually almost certainly yes. There's no way microstakes players play correctly against overbets, so either they fold too much or too little. If they fold too little, you should use them for value; if they fold too much, you should use them as bluffs.

My guess is that on all low (micro+up), they're good for value on the River if opponent has a pretty good hand (like if you suspect your opponent has weaker trips, you should probably often bet gigantic because they'll never fold), and they're probably often good as bluffs on the Turn.

I think this depends on the villan and the situation.

For example if you think the villan has an ace high flush and you have the straight flush thats a great spot to overbet. If they have it they probably call and if they dont they probably were not going to call a normal size raise.

Or if you think the villan has a hand like AA and wont ever fold it and you have 444, then its a great time for an overbet.

Or if your perceived range is very strong or you have the nut advantage it may be a great time for an overbet.

But if the board is wet and you have nothing you dont want to be overbetting.

Very effective. You just gotta know your villain and what size bet they'll call. Some villains will call $5 all-in preflop to win only a .30-.50 pot. I love those guys. Easy money.

Other villains you have to drag along with value bets cause the bigger bets will scare them away.

Cheers!!!