Poker player commented on A lesson learned
There is a third reason for betting, which may not be so black and white, but it also does present an important part of playing (moreso in live games than online, but it is still apparent) Any move on your part shapes what other players think of you, and surely enough. One of the most memory defining things about a player is their willingness to bet in a hand. For example, playing a live game against someone who is shoving every hand may seem like he is betting to bluff, but then it just becomes betting for value when he is scooping the blinds on each hand. Its important to realise how your bets make other players perceive you. Especially when you get to more crucial parts of games or tournaments.