Donk Bet Calculator: When Leading Makes Sense

Donk betting—betting into the preflop aggressor before they can c-bet—was once considered a rookie mistake. Modern poker theory recognizes specific situations where donk betting is optimal. Our calculator reveals when leading out makes more sense than checking.

What Is a Donk Bet?

A donk bet is betting out of position into the player who was the preflop aggressor, taking away their opportunity to c-bet. Traditionally viewed as weak, game theory shows donk betting is correct on certain board textures where the caller's range is favored.

Quick Answer: Donk bet = bet into preflop raiser before they act. Was called "donkey" (bad) play. Actually optimal sometimes. Best on low boards (6♠5♣3♦). Caller's range connects better. Frequency: 10-25% on specific textures. Use small sizing (25-33% pot). Balanced approach works.

How to Use Our Calculator

Use the Donk Bet Calculator →

Calculate donk bet frequencies by board.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enter Position: Your seat (BB usually)

2. Input Board: Flop texture

3. View Donk Frequency: How often to lead

4. Check Sizing: Recommended amount

5. See Range: Which hands to donk

Input Fields Explained

Field	Description	Example
Position	Where you are	Big Blind
Board	Flop cards	6♠5♣3♦
Opponent Range	Their opening	CO open
Donk %	How often to lead	25%
Sizing	Bet size	33% pot

When Donk Betting Works

Low Connected Boards

Best donk bet boards:

6♠5♣3♦ (lowball straight)
7♥5♦4♣ (connected low)
8♦6♣4♦ (mid-low)

Why these work:
- BB calling range hits hard
- Pairs, straights, two-pairs
- Raiser has overcards often
- Range advantage flips

Paired Low Boards

Paired board donks:

4♠4♦7♣
6♣6♦2♥
5♠5♥8♦

Why:
- Trip odds equal
- BB has more low pairs
- Raiser folds overcards
- Protection betting works

When NOT to Donk

Avoid donking on:

A♠K♦7♣ (high cards favor raiser)
K♠Q♦J♣ (connected high)
A♥8♦2♣ (Ace high dry)

Raiser's range dominates
Your range is capped
Check-call or check-fold better

Donk Bet Sizing

Small Sizing Preferred

Optimal donk size:

25-33% pot typical
Small probe bet
Doesn't overcommit
Tests the water

Example:
Pot $20
Donk bet $5-7

Why Small Works

Small sizing advantages:

1. Commit less with marginal hands
2. Build pot with value
3. Opponent has tough decisions
4. Can donk wider
5. Fold to 3-bet easily

Larger Donk Sizing

When to size up:

Very wet boards (draws need to pay)
Strong value hands (build pot)
Against passive opponents

Example:
Pot $20
Donk $12-15 (60-75%)

Range Construction

Value Donk Hands

Donk for value with:

Two pair (bottom up)
Sets (sometimes better to x/r)
Straights (already made)
Strong pairs (66 on 652)

Goal: Get value from worse
Build pot while ahead

Bluff Donk Hands

Donk as bluff with:

Gutshots (backdoor equity)
Weak pairs (blocking hands)
Overcards (sometimes)
Total air (small frequency)

Goal: Take pot cheaply
Represent strong made hands

Balanced Range

Donk range composition:

~60-70% value
~30-40% bluffs
Small sizing throughout

Keeps opponent guessing
Can't exploit easily

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Two Pair on Low Board

Clear donk:

You call BB with 6♥5♦
Flop: 6♣5♠2♥
Pot: $20

Donk bet $6 (30% pot)
You have two pair
Board favors your range
Raiser has overcards often

Example 2: High Card Board

Don't donk:

You call BB with 8♣7♣
Flop: A♠K♦3♣
Pot: $20

Check
Board hits raiser's range
You have air
Donking accomplishes nothing

Example 3: Medium Pair Protection

Defensive donk:

You call BB with 7♠7♣
Flop: 7♥4♣3♦
Pot: $20

Donk bet $7 (35% pot)
You have middle set
Low board, many draws
Charge draws to continue

Example 4: Bluff Donk

Taking initiative:

You call BB with J♥T♠
Flop: 6♦5♣3♣
Pot: $20

Donk bet $5 (25% pot)
You have nothing
But board doesn't hit raiser
Take cheap pot often

GTO Perspective

Theory Behind Donking

Why donk betting is sound:

Equity distribution shifts
Some boards favor caller
Theory says bet when favored
Not always check to raiser

Frequency by Board Type

GTO donk frequencies:

Very low boards: 20-30%
Low-medium boards: 10-20%
High boards: 0-5%
Paired low: 15-25%

Higher frequency when:
Range advantage clear

Opponent Adjustments

Adjust donk frequency:

Passive opponents:
Donk more for value
They call wide, fold to aggression

Aggressive opponents:
Donk less, check-raise more
They'll raise your donks
Use their aggression against them

Common Mistakes

1. Donking High Boards

Mistake: Donking A-K-x Problem: Raiser's range dominates Fix: Check-fold or check-call

2. Too Large Sizing

Mistake: 75% pot donk with marginal Problem: Commits too much Fix: 25-33% is usually right

3. Donking Every Low Board

Mistake: 100% frequency on low boards Problem: Range becomes transparent Fix: Check some strong hands

4. No Bluff Donks

Mistake: Only value donking Problem: Exploitable Fix: Include ~30% bluffs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is donk betting really viable?

Yes, on specific textures. Modern theory confirms donk betting is optimal on boards favoring the caller's range.

What size should my donk bet be?

Small—25-33% pot is standard. This commits less with marginal hands while still building pots with value.

Which positions should donk bet?

Primarily big blind (most defending happens there). Occasionally from other positions but BB is primary.

Why was donk betting called "donkey"?

Old-school thinking assumed aggressor should always bet. Modern theory shows caller's range sometimes dominates.

Should I always check strong hands?

No. Donk betting strong hands on favorable textures is fine. Checking everything makes range predictable.

How do I respond to donk bets?

Raise strong hands, call draws and medium strength, fold air. Recognize donk betting is now strategic, not weak.

Pro Tips

• Low boards favor donking: 6-5-3 type textures

• Small sizing: 25-33% pot

• Include bluffs: ~30% of donk range

• Avoid high boards: Raiser has range advantage

• Modern strategy: Donking is valid

Related Calculators

• Continuation Bet Calculator - C-bet strategy
• Check-Raise Calculator - Alternative line
• Pot Odds Calculator - Call decisions
• Poker Range Calculator - Hand ranges
• Poker Odds Calculator - Equity math

Conclusion

Donk betting—once dismissed as weak—is a legitimate strategic tool on boards favoring the caller's range. Our calculator shows optimal donk frequencies by texture, proper small sizing, and how to construct a balanced donking range that includes value and bluffs.

Calculate Donk Bet Strategy Now →

That 6-5-3 flop hits your BB calling range perfectly. Our calculator proves when leading into the raiser is smarter than waiting for their c-bet.