Pot Equity

[Gregg777]

I have read all the threads on 2+2 regarding pot equity, and have read the Sklansky’s section in SSHE, but I still do not have a clear answer. I have posted similar inquiries in both the heads up and beginners sections and not received any replies. So if you could help me out, I would greatly appreciate it.

I understand pot equity is the bet amount equivalent to the percentage of the pot you expect to win. I also understand that if you have a 35% equity and 4 opponents, you have an equity edge and should bet for value. But I play primarily heads up and most hands do not have a 50% equity, so I want to further define exactly how to use pot equity in less than optimal situations.

Assume that on the flop there is already $10 in the pot, and my hand equity is approximately 40%. I am on the button and my opponent checks to me.

Is it a bad strategy to bet 50% the pot ($5), even though my equity is only 40%? If you account for the money already in the pot, after my bet is called, technically my bet only represented 25% of the total pot. Or do I have to stick to the actual percentage amounts at the time of the bet?

I know the answer is partially player dependent, as there might be some fold equity involved, but I am just looking for a specific answer regarding only the equity formula.

In short, do you take into account the money already in the pot when you bet? Or do you disregard the amount in the pot, and always base your betting decisions on the fact that you are contributing 50% because you are heads up, and therefore any betting with less than a 50% hand equity is –EV?

Thanks