Abstract: A simplified two-piece, cartridge-type hydraulic valve provides increased valve seat area and improved hydrodynamics. The present valve is a plug-type valve in which the piston is integral with the valve stem, and the valve seat is inserted into the base at the bottom end of the gland. The stem is threadably fitted into the center of the gland, whereby turning the top of the stem moves the piston reciprocally between open and closed positions. Fluid flow enters through ports in the base of the piston and is directed upward past the valve seat area at the top of the piston. The piston ports are radially divergent from a center point at the bottom end of the piston to points around the circumference of the top end of the piston in the area of the valve seat. A tapered nose piece is included in the bottom of the gland in the center of the valve seat area in order to improve flow efficiency and reduce turbulence.