Why bet the pot?

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Wouldn't someone on a straight or flush draw be getting the right odds to call (2 to 1)?

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You are under the wrong impression with these numbers. Your opponent would be correct call if your bet either put them all-in, or if you did not bet the turn. The odds for drawing out on the next card are closer to 4.5:1 for straight/flush draws. Unless you are going all-in on the flop, only use the numbers for one card to come.

As for betting the pot, this is usually the easiest way to keep your bet proportioned to the size of the pot and provide protection for a made hand.