A continuation bet, commonly referred to as a C-bet, is one of the most essential tools in a poker player’s strategy. It occurs when the pre-flop aggressor makes another bet on the flop, regardless of whether the flop improved their hand. Used correctly, C-bets can apply pressure, disguise your hand strength, and extract value. However, knowing when and how to use a continuation bet effectively is what separates sharp players from predictable ones.
Understanding the Purpose of a C-Bet
A C-bet serves multiple strategic purposes. Primarily, it allows you to maintain the initiative after raising pre-flop. Even if you missed the flop, a well-timed continuation bet can force your opponent to fold weaker hands or speculative holdings.
C-bets also play a psychological role—putting opponents in difficult positions, especially when they missed the board as well. Consistent, thoughtful use of C-bets makes you less readable and more dangerous at the table.
When to Use a C-Bet
Knowing the right time to C-bet is critical. Here are situations where a continuation bet is typically favorable:
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You Raised Pre-Flop and the Flop Is Dry: Boards like K-7-2 rainbow are hard to connect with. If you raised pre-flop and the board doesn’t favor draws, a C-bet is likely to work well.
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You Have Position: Being in late position gives you more information before you act. If your opponent checks, a C-bet in position becomes more powerful.
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Your Opponent Is Passive or Tight: Against opponents who fold easily or are afraid to play marginal hands, C-bets can be very profitable.
When Not to C-Bet
While C-bets are effective, overusing them or using them in the wrong situations can cost you chips.
Avoid continuation betting if:
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The Flop Strongly Favors Your Opponent’s Range: Wet boards like J-T-9 suited are likely to connect with the big blind’s calling range. In these cases, a C-bet might get raised or called, putting you in tough spots.
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You’re Facing Multiple Opponents: Bluffing into more than one player drastically reduces the chance your C-bet will succeed unless you hit the flop hard.
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You’ve Missed Completely and Are Out of Position: If you have no equity and are acting first, it’s often better to check and reassess the situation.
Sizing Your C-Bet
The size of your continuation bet should depend on the board texture and your opponent. A smaller C-bet (around 30–50% of the pot) is often enough to achieve your goal on dry flops. On wetter boards or against sticky players, you may need to increase the size to 60–70% to gain folds or build the pot with a strong hand.
However, avoid being predictable with your sizing. If your bet size always correlates with your hand strength, observant players will exploit you.
Balancing Your C-Bet Range
A key part of advanced strategy is balance. You want your opponents to be unsure whether you’re betting with a strong hand, a draw, or a bluff. This means mixing up your play: sometimes check when you hit the flop hard and occasionally C-bet with air.
Balanced play keeps your opponents guessing and prevents them from countering your strategy with ease.
FAQ
1. Should I always C-bet after raising pre-flop?
No, while C-betting is often profitable, it should not be automatic. Always consider the board texture, number of opponents, and your hand strength before deciding.
2. What is a good C-bet percentage?
A balanced strategy typically involves continuation betting around 60–70% of the time. Too high, and you become exploitable; too low, and you miss out on profitable spots.
3. Can I C-bet as a bluff?
Yes, bluffing is one of the primary uses of a C-bet, especially on dry boards where your opponent likely missed. Just ensure the conditions are right for your bluff to succeed.
