What Is Cbet in Poker?

The continuation bet, or c-bet, is a core concept in poker that every player should understand, particularly in community card games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha. A c-bet happens when a player raises before the flop and then bets again on the flop, taking advantage of their position and the strength they project. This strategy is typically available to the player who was first to raise or the last to raise before the flop cards are dealt. Grasping the intricacies of the c-bet is vital for anyone serious about poker, as it can influence not just individual hands but also overall success in the game. Let’s examine what is Cbet in poker in more detail and discuss its strategic importance. To elevate your game and master strategies like the c-bet, join BLITZPOKER – where every hand played brings you closer to becoming a champion!

Meaning of Continuation Bet (C-bet) in Poker

In the game of poker, particularly in Texas Hold’em, the term “C-bet,” or continuation bet, refers to a strategy used by a player who has raised before the flop. When this player continues to assert their aggressive stance by making a bet on the flop, that’s a C-bet in action. The logic behind this tactic is that since they’ve already shown strength pre-flop, they can leverage that momentum even when the flop doesn’t improve their hand.

The essence of a C-bet is in its name: “continuation.” It reflects the idea that the player is maintaining their aggressive approach after the initial raise. However, while it’s a common move and often considered a default strategy, it’s crucial to use this bet wisely. Falling into the trap of C-betting every time can create a predictable pattern that savvy opponents can exploit.

When deciding whether to C-bet, several factors should guide your choice:

1. Board Texture: Is the flop favourable for your hand? A dry board might be easier to bluff on, while a wet board could scare off opponents.
2. Your Position: Being in a later position allows you to gather more information about your opponents’ actions.
3. Number of Players in the Hand: The more players involved, the less effective your C-bet might be against multiple potential hands.
4. Whether You Hit the Flop: Surprisingly, it’s often less important than you might think. A well-timed C-bet can sometimes secure a pot, even if you didn’t connect with the flop.
5. Opponent Tendencies: Understanding your opponents’ behaviours is key. Are they likely to fold or call your aggression?

If you’re asked what Cbet in poker is, you now know the answer!

The Objective of Continuation Bets

The main idea behind continuation bets (C-bets) is that the flop often doesn’t improve anyone’s hand significantly. By applying pressure and betting aggressively—regardless of what you hold—you can often persuade your opponent to fold and win the pot right then and there.

C-bets can also serve as a clever reverse bluff when you have a strong hand; in this case, you’re looking to build the pot even more. Ultimately, the primary goal of a continuation bet is to take down the pot immediately.

Chances of Winning With C-bet

The number of opponents you’re up against plays a crucial role in your chances of winning the pot with a continuation bet (C-bet). Here’s a general guideline to follow:

• C-bet nearly 100% when you’re heads up – With only one opponent, your chances are significantly higher of taking the pot down.
• C-bet about 50% when facing two players – With a couple of opponents, your success rate decreases, so you’ll want to be more selective.
• C-bet around 25% when up against three players – The more opponents there are, the less effective your C-bets become.

When you’re betting against more than one opponent, it adds an element of unpredictability to your game. However, if you find yourself in a situation with four or more players, it’s best to have actually hit the flop before committing more chips. In those cases, you might want to consider checking instead.

C-bet Sizing

When it comes to sizing your continuation bet (C-bet), it’s an essential part of your strategy. Generally, you’ll want to aim for a bet that falls between half and a full pot. The exact size will depend on several factors.

If you’ve connected well with the flop on a coordinated board, it’s wise to lean towards a full pot bet. Here’s why:

1. Coordinated boards tend to attract more callers, and you want them to come in because it boosts your pot equity.
2. You want those players chasing draws to really feel the pinch, so make it expensive for them to try to hit a straight or flush. Keep the pressure on, especially going into the turn.

On the other hand, if you hit the flop on a dry board, a smaller bet—around half the pot—is usually more effective. Most players are likely to fold in this scenario, but if someone does call, it could signal that they’ve made a strong hand, like an overpair or top pair with a top kicker, which could spell trouble for you.

If you missed the flop on a coordinated board, it’s often best to skip the C-bet, even if you’re in a good position. However, if you miss on a dry board, going for a C-bet can still be a solid move.

What Is a Good Cbet Percentage?

When it comes to your continuation bet (C-bet) percentage, a good range to aim for is typically between 50% to 75% of the time. However, this can change based on a few important factors:

1. Your Position: Your seat at the table matters a lot. If you’re in a later position, you can generally afford to C-bet more often since you’ll have a better read on what your opponents are doing.
2. Board Texture: The flops you see play a big role too. On coordinated boards that connect well with hands (like straight or flush draws), you might want to C-bet less unless you have a strong hand. On drier boards, where there’s less chance of opponents having connected well, you can increase your C-bet frequency.
3. Number of Opponents: The more players in the hand, the riskier your C-bet becomes. It’s usually safer to C-bet more when you’re up against just one or two opponents, but you should be cautious with three or more.
4. Your Hand Strength: If you have a solid hand or a good draw, you can feel more confident in placing your C-bet. If you’ve missed the flop or are uncertain about your position, it might be best to hold back.

What Is a Good Fold to Cbet?

A good fold-to-continuation-bet (C-bet) percentage often falls between 40% to 60%. This means that if your opponents are folding to your C-bets within this range, it’s a sign that your strategy is generally effective.

Here are some factors to consider regarding your fold-to-C-bet percentage:

1. Opponent’s Aggression: If you’re playing against aggressive opponents who frequently C-bet, they might expect you to fold often. In that case, a fold percentage at the lower end (around 40%) can be beneficial, as it indicates you’re willing to hold on with some hands.
2. Position: If you’re in early position, you might want to fold more often since you’re likely facing stronger hands. Conversely, if you’re in late position against a C-bet, you can afford to be more aggressive and fold less.
3. Board Texture: The type of board can influence how often you choose to fold. On coordinated boards, you might want to tighten up and fold more often, but on dry boards, it can be better to call or even raise with a wider range of hands.
4. Your Hand Strength: Always consider the strength of your own hand. If you have a decent draw or a strong hand, you might choose to call or raise instead of folding.

When to Cbet Big?

Knowing when to make a big continuation bet (C-bet) can really help you assert pressure on your opponents. Here are some situations where you might consider going for a larger bet:

1. Connected or Coordinated Boards: If the flop has a lot of potential for draws (like straights or flushes), a larger bet can help to price out your opponents, making them pay more to chase their draws. This way, you’re not giving them a cheap opportunity to hit their hand.
2. When You Have a Strong Hand: If you’ve hit the flop hard with a strong hand (like top set or two pair), betting larger can help build the pot. You want your opponents to invest more chips while they’re still in the hand.
3. When You’re Heads Up: If it’s just you and one opponent, a larger C-bet can often be more effective, as there’s a higher chance of them folding to pressure, especially on a board that connects well with their perceived range.
4. Against Passive Players: If you’re up against opponents who tend to call bets rather than raise or check-raise, a bigger C-bet can take advantage of their passiveness, as they might be more reluctant to push back or call larger amounts.
5. To Protect Your Hand: If you have a vulnerable hand that is likely to get outdrawn, such as top pair on a coordinated board, a bigger bet can help safeguard against free cards that could give opponents a strong draw.
6. To Balance Your Range: If you’ve been betting small frequently, throwing in a big C-bet can keep your opponents guessing about your hand strength and make your betting patterns less predictable.