Continuation bet in poker: what is a c bet and when should you make one?

A continuation bet in poker, often shortened to c bet, is one of the most common moves after the flop. You raised before the flop and continue that aggressive line with a bet after the flop. You do this even when the flop has not improved your hand.

A good c bet poker strategy is not only about the cards you hold. You also look at the flop, your position, your opponent and the ranges both players could have. At the right moments, a c bet can be a simple way to win the pot. Use it too often, however, and it can cost you chips.

In this guide, you will discover exactly what a continuation bet is, when to use one, which c bet sizing works for different flops and when it is better to check. Learn this strategy and win more often at the casino.

What is a continuation bet?

A continuation bet, or c bet, is the bet made by the player who raised before the flop. It does not matter whether the flop improved their hand.

Imagine you raise preflop with A K from late position and only the Big Blind calls. The flop comes 8 5 2 rainbow. You do not have a pair, so the flop has not improved your hand. Even so, you can make a c bet of around one third to two thirds of the pot.

Why? By raising before the flop, you represented a strong range. Your flop bet continues that story.

A c bet does not have to happen only on the flop. If you bet the flop and then bet again on the turn, this is often called a double barrel or turn c bet. If you also bet again on the river, this is known as a triple barrel.

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Why does a continuation bet work?

A c bet works for several reasons. The most important thing is that you are not only looking at your own hand, but at your entire range.

Range advantage

The player who raised preflop often has a stronger range. Think of high pocket pairs and strong combinations such as A A, K K, Q Q, A K and A Q. On certain flops, the preflop raiser therefore has a clear advantage.

Fold equity

You do not always need the best hand to win a pot. If your opponent misses the flop, a c bet can make them fold their hand. In a heads up pot, a player misses the flop around 65 percent of the time. This makes a well timed bet quite effective.

Keeping the initiative

With a c bet, you keep control of the hand. You decide how much pressure to apply and can build the pot further when you have a strong hand. With a weaker hand, you can try to win the pot immediately.

That is why a good c bet strategy is not only about your individual hand. You are also playing your perceived range. After all, your opponent does not know exactly which cards you hold.

When should you make a c bet?

Not every flop is suitable for a continuation bet. Still, there are several situations where a c bet can often be a good option.

Heads up pot

A c bet usually works better when you only have one opponent. The more players see the flop, the greater the chance that someone has a strong combination.

In position

When you have position, you can c bet more often. You have the advantage of acting last on the turn and river. This gives you more information before you have to make your own decision.

Dry boards

On a dry flop with few possible draws, a small c bet can often be enough. Think of an A 7 2 rainbow flop. There are few combinations that give your opponent a strong draw.

Boards with an overcard

Flops containing an A or K can be interesting when you raised preflop. Your range is relatively likely to contain strong hands with these cards.

For example, you open from the button and the Big Blind calls. The flop comes K 7 2 rainbow. Here, you can c bet a large part of your range because the Big Blind will not have a King in their calling range very often.

When is it better to check instead of c betting?

A c bet can also become a leak in your strategy when you use it automatically on every flop. Sometimes checking is the better choice.

Multiway pots

When three or more players see the flop, it becomes harder to make everyone fold. The chance that someone has a strong hand or a good draw is higher.

Coordinated boards

On a flop such as 9 8 7 with a flush draw, there are many possible draws and strong combinations. Especially when the Big Blind has called with a wide range, this type of flop can connect well with your opponent's range.

Out of position

You need to be more careful when you are out of position. Against strong players, c betting too frequently can allow your opponent to put pressure on you easily on later streets.

Flops that connect poorly with your range

A low, connected flop can also be difficult when you have raised from UTG, for example. Your opponent's range may contain many combinations that connect well with this type of flop.

Checking does not mean that you are weak. It is a strategic choice that helps keep your range balanced and prevents you from always taking the same action with certain hands.

C bet sizing: how much should you bet?

The right c bet sizing mainly depends on the flop and your strategy. There is no single bet size that works in every situation.

A small c bet of around 25 to 35 percent of the pot works well on dry boards where you want to bet with a large part of your range. You risk relatively few chips while still applying pressure.

A medium c bet of around 50 percent of the pot is a good general sizing when you want to take a more balanced approach.

On a wet board, a larger bet of 66 to 75 percent can be interesting. You want to protect your strong hands and make draws pay a higher price to continue.

Ultimately, the right sizing depends on the specific hand, the flop and your opponent. Use these percentages as guidelines rather than fixed rules.

C bet in position vs out of position

Your position has a major influence on how often you can make a continuation bet.

In position, you can generally c bet more often. You have more information after your opponent acts before you have to make your own decision on the turn and river. On dry boards, the guideline from the strategy is to c bet up to around 60 to 70 percent of the time.

Out of position, more caution is needed. You give your opponent the opportunity to put pressure back on you after your action. Your c bet frequency can therefore be much lower, especially on coordinated boards. A guideline is around 30 to 40 percent.

The most important thing is not to blindly follow a percentage. Always look at the combination of your position, the flop, your range and your opponent's range.

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Ready to apply your c bet strategy?

A good continuation bet is about more than simply betting because you raised before the flop. Look at the flop, your position and your opponent's range. Then choose a sizing that fits the situation.

By recognising different situations, you will have a better idea of when to apply pressure and when to take a step back. This makes c betting a conscious decision rather than an automatic move.

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