C-Bet in Strategy – Continuation Bet in Poker

While poker will always be a highly complex game, there are some strategies that never go out of style. One of those is the C-bet, or continuation bet. It has been used for almost as long as the game has existed, and many players have enjoyed good winnings from it. But what is a c-bet and how can you use it to boost your win rate?

What is a Continuation Bet (C-Bet) and Why Does It Matter?

A continuation bet is, as the name suggests, a bet that continues on from the strategy of the previous turn. However, there are specific concepts that mark out a continuation bet in terms of strategy, it must be an aggressive move, that is continued on from a similar move in a previous turn.

In practice, a continuation bet is when a player makes the final raise on a preflop, and then follows with the first bet on the flop. In some situations, such as no bets from any player on the flop, then if the player who raises the pre flop last also makes the first bet on the river, that would be a continuation bet as well.

It is an important strategy due to its ability to seize table initiative, showing you have a strong hand while also building the pot. By maximizing value in this way when you are most likely to win, it boosts the overall profit you make as a result.

How to use Continuation Betting as a poker player? 

C-bets are easy to use too, and unlike some strategies, flow naturally with the hand if you have strong cards. Knowing when to use a continuation bet really comes down to knowing your opponents. If you do have a strong hand, then a c-bet makes sense in asserting aggressive control, but what if the cards are not so good?

A continuation bet can be deployed here too when you are playing against weaker or passive players who have shown they are unlikely to call unless they have a strong hand themselves. If you have a mid-strength hand, or are planning on bluffing in this situation, the c-bet strategy means you still control the pot, with the risk being that someone has a strong hand and will call you.

Basic C-Bet Strategy to win the pot

The basic idea of the C-bet is to push others to call or fold, that means as big a raise as you can get away with at the preflop, and follow that with aggressive betting after the flop. That initial move should be enough to establish control and force other players onto the backfoot. Too many players attempt a c-bet strategy in a timid way, and don’t raise enough preflop.

Push the players and control the bet with a big raise, and everything flows from that point.

Good Board, Bad Board – Understanding Board Textures

You are looking for what some call dry boards, that is a board without any obvious draws when considering a c-bet. This is what we would see as a good board in these situations. As an example, a board with three or more suits and no ace, with one or zero Broadway cards, means that unless a player has a strong hand, there is not much help from the board. That makes the probability of them folding under pressure much higher, and so is an idea position to be aggressive with a c-bet strategy.

However, there are some situations where a continuation bet is not the answer. Boards with flush or straight draws, multiple Broadway cards and other potential for strong hands are what we would call a bad board in terms of the c-bet strategy. If a couple of cards in the hand can turn the board into a flush or other strong position, the probability a player will have those cards is high. That makes it much more likely you will be called a c-bet approach. If you also have a very strong hand, then the c-bet can still work, but if you don’t have the right cards, it is a high-risk approach.

Continuation Bet Sizing Pre and Post-Flop

The whole premise of the c-bet, to be aggressive, take control and put other players on the back foot, hinges on getting the bet size correct. In general, it should be between half the pot size and the complete pot. Where it lands on that scale will depend on a few things.

If you have connected with eh board and have a strong hand that could still improve, then you want to be betting closer to the full pot. This will likely encourage calls, which is what you want to take advantage of the pot equity you have.

On a dry board where you haven’t got that connection, your position is relatively weak, and the c-bet is going to be relying on an aggressive bluff more than anything else. You still need a substantial bet for the continuation strategy to work, but keeping it closer to half the pot minimizes your risks.

Continuation Betting Based On Your Opponent’s Tendencies

Understanding your opponents helps with any poker strategy, and c-bet is no different. If you are against more passive players, those who like to check and call, you are unlikely to make them fold. The obvious consequence of that is using a c-bet to bluff would be a bad choice here, because eventually you will have to show your cards and likely lose. With these types of players, the c-bet strategy should be used when you do have a strong hand. Here, it is very useful in building the pot.

If you are playing against aggressive opponents, then you need to respond a little differently. The best way to counter their aggression is to be more aggressive. If another player leads out after the flop, don’t give up on your c-bet. It may technically no longer be a continuation bet of someone raised before you, but go hard at the flop and raise them. Here, hand strength isn’t so much of a concern, it is the opponent’s mindset you are playing against.  

Multiway C-Betting Strategy – Playing against many poker players

Multiway pots will often have three or more players, and that means more potential hands to be concerned with than a normal online game. As a result, your c-bet strategy should focus on string value hands with high equity draws, or hands that have the potential to gain equity in the flop.

Advanced C-Betting Strategies – Putting Your Skills to the Test

The basic ideas of c-bet strategies have been around almost as long as poker itself. However, in our world of computer and AI analysis and endless dissection of the game, it is not surprising that things have evolved.

One example is the delayed c-bet, where after raising preflop, instead of continuing at the flop, if the big blind checks, you check too. If the big blind checks on the turn, you make a bet here instead. There are several benefits to delayed c-bet strategies, perhaps most importantly, it varies your approach. If you look to continuation bets too often you become predictable, your bluffs get called and you start to lose. This approach varies things and keeps your opponent guessing.

It also bolsters your checking range, as checking with stronger hands keeps other players guessing. They will not just assume you are bluffing, but instead keep their aggressive approach under control. This in turn makes your bluffing more effective when you do deploy a bluffed continuation bet. Knowing you can check with a strong hand prevents the assumption that a check means a bluff, making it more difficult for players to second guess your approach.

Common Mistakes for cbet cash game plays, and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake in applying a continuation bet strategy is to bet the flop automatically. C-bet strategies work well in some scenarios, as noted before, when the board is good, or you have an understanding of your opponents. But they can be a bad idea too and leave you with problems during the hand. Don’t just blindly bet the preflop or flop, understand the table, your position and why you are betting, beyond ‘its what you do in a continuation bet’.

Bet sizing is another common mistake. Raising the preflop needs to have an impact, you are trying to take control of the pot and put the other players on the back foot. A small raise will not achieve this, and can leave you in a weaker position, as it suggests a lack of confidence of your position. That preflop bet needs to be at least half the pot, and up to a full pot, depending on the board and your hand.

The final way most players turn c-bet strategies into losing hands is by becoming predictable. Using a continuation bet too often, using the same bet sizes, the same bluffs and more are all issues. As you analyze other players at the table, they are doing the same to you. If you become predictable, they will find ways to exploit that. Change things up, use c-bets in other ways such as the delayed strategy, anything to keep your opponent guessing.

Practicing and Improving Your early position C-Bet Strategy

As with any skill, practice is essential to improve, and poker is no different. The more you put continuation bets into practice in hands, the more comfortable you get with doing it, and the more you learn where it works best for you.

An AI poker bot is ideal for this, allowing you to play without risk and learn the nuances of c-bet in an environment where you won’t be losing money.

FAQ

What is a continuation bet (c-bet) in poker, and why is it important?

A continuation bet is when a player makes the final raise on a preflop, and then follows with the first bet on the flop. It is one of the core strategies that you can use to win poker games, and also one of the key strategies other players will use against you.

When should I make a c-bet, and when should I avoid it?

C-bets work best when you have a strong hand, or when the board has few options to make a strong hand for your opponents. If you have a week hand against aggressive players who are likely to call, or the board is offering numerous options for strong hands, it is best to avoid the continuation bet.

How do I determine the appropriate size for my c-bet raiser?

A c-bet should be between half the pot and a full pot. The size in that range depends on the risk if the hand. The higher the risk, the closer to the half pot the bet should be. The stronger your position, the closer to the full pot it should be.

What should I do if my c-bet is called or raised?

That depends on the board, your hand and how your opponents play. If they are likely to be bluffing, or you have a strong hand with a high probability of winning then keep going. If your hand is weak, and the opponent is likely to keep going, then that is a hand to walk away from.