What is a Continuation Bet?
A continuation bet (c-bet) is when the preflop aggressor bets on the flop, regardless of whether they improved. It's called a continuation bet because you're continuing your aggressive story from preflop.
C-betting is profitable because as the preflop raiser, you have a perceived range advantage on most boards. Your opponent called preflop, indicating they likely don't have a premium hand, so they'll often fold to continued aggression.
When to C-Bet
The decision to c-bet depends on several factors:
- Board texture: Dry boards favor c-betting; wet boards require caution
- Positie: In position c-bets are more profitable
- Number of opponents: C-bet less frequently multiway
- Opponent tendencies: C-bet more vs players who fold too much
C-Inzetgrootte Strategies
Modern poker uses different c-bet sizes based on the situation:
| Board Type | Size | Frequency | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry/Static | 25-33% | High (70-100%) | K-7-2 rainbow |
| Medium | 50-66% | Medium (50-70%) | Q-T-4 two-tone |
| Wet/Dynamic | 66-75% | Selective (30-50%) | J-T-9 with flush draw |
On dry boards, use a small c-bet size with high frequency. This approach puts maximum pressure on your opponent while risking minimal chips when you're bluffing.
Flop Textures for C-Betting
Great boards to c-bet:
- High card boards (A-K-x, K-Q-x) - you have range advantage
- Paired boards (K-7-7, A-4-4) - hard for opponent to connect
- Rainbow dry boards (J-7-2) - few draws available
Boards to check more often:
- Low connected boards (8-7-6, 5-4-3) - favors caller's range
- Monotone boards (three of same suit) - easy to have flushes/draws
- Boards that smash opponent's calling range (9-8-7 vs button call)
Double and Triple Barrel
C-betting doesn't stop at the flop. Turn and river c-bets (barrels) are where the big money is:
Double barrel when:
- Turn completes draws you can represent
- Scare cards fall (A, K on turn)
- Opponent showed weakness by just calling flop
Triple barrel when:
- You can credibly represent the nuts
- River is a scare card
- Your opponent's range is capped (they would have raised strong hands)
C-Betting in 3-Bet Pots
In 3-bet pots, strategies change significantly:
- Stacks are shallower relative to the pot (lower SPR)
- Ranges are stronger and more defined
- C-bet smaller (25-33%) or check more often
- High card boards favor the 3-bettor's range
Common C-Betting Mistakes
- C-betting every flop: Opponents will exploit you
- Same sizing always: Use varied sizes based on board
- Giving up too easily: Don't always check when you miss
- C-betting multiway: Need stronger ranges with more players