The only thing constant about life is change.  This constant change or in other words, uncertainty,  applies to betta breeding in every way.  Betta breeding is by far the most uncertain science of bettas.  Where areas, the area of genetics has been greatly expanded with the work of many geneticists and scientists like Dr. Gene Lucas the field of breeding has remained mostly untouched.
     How has betta breeding remained an untouched field, you may ask?  It is simple;  there has been no fail safe method by which betta breeding is guaranteed.  I have read books upon books and seen site after site on the subject.  And yet, the truth remains that the best way to breed bettas is the way that you device by yourself.
     If you are brand new to the hobby don't panic just yet.  There are some guidelines that you can follow:

(i)    Select a healthy breeding pair, not too young, not too old, it should be around  3  to 6 months old.
(ii)   Condition them by feeding them live food for 1 to 2 weeks.
(iii)  Set up a breeding tank with a lid type cover to prevent air drafts, a water heater to keep temperature at 80-84 degrees, and a sponge filter with a very low bubble rate (optional).
(iv)  Let the female see the male during the weeks previous to spawning as to incite her to produce eggs.
(v)   Introduce the male to the tank a couple of days before the female.
(vi)  On spawning day put the female into the tank in a glass chimney.
(vii) Let her remain in the chimney for as long as you can keep your anxiety down LOL. With experienced pairs I do this for only a couple of hours.  With other pairs I keep the female in the chimney for an afternoon.
(viii) Male should initially flare and display for the female, after a short while he will start chasing and nipping at the female.
(ix)  After this point I usually let the pairs be unless there is some heavy fighting going on.  EX.  Jaw locks, female or male latching onto his/her partner's fins.

     I hope this simple guidelines will give you some overall knowledge of how to breed bettas.  Topics like, should I leave the light on overnight or should I keep a filter on during breeding are not discussed here as they vary from breeder to breeder.  You might even find that my method contrasts heavily with other methods.  Hence, I will give you a good piece of advice.  Do what works for you, and if you have any other questions you can always email , IM, MSM messenger, or YIM me.  My SN is venomcc.