Alpha (α) is defined as bet_size / (pot + bet_size), representing the percentage of the total pot the bettor puts at risk. This value directly determines the defender’s MDF (1 – α) and the maximum bluffing frequency the bettor can profitably deploy. High alpha (overbet, pot bet) requires fewer bluffs to be profitable but forces the defender to fold less frequently. Low alpha (small bet, 1/3 pot) requires proportionally more bluffs but extracts value from wider ranges. Understanding alpha is fundamental to calibrating bet sizes to the composition of the intended betting range.