3 Bet in Poker - Complete Guide for Beginners

Types of 3 bet

Let’s start by going into detail about the different types of 3 bet. We will then look at the two types of ranges you can rely on for a 3 bet.

• Min 3 bet: A min 3 bet is a 3bet with the minimum amount. It can be twice the previous raise, but this varies depending on the rules of the room or tournament.
• 3 bet shove: A 3bet that involves going all-in. It’s often used when the stacks are small, especially in tournaments or formats like Spin & Go.
• 3 bet size: A traditional 3bet, which is not all-in.
• 3 bet light: A 3bet with a weak or medium hand, aimed at bluffing.
• 3 bet squeeze: A 3bet made after several players have just called the initial raise. It often exploits the weakness of these players, often recreational, by taking advantage of their wide and sometimes weak hands.

The different ranges of 3 bet

• Polarized 3bet: This range includes very strong hands and bluffs but leaves out medium hands. Example of a polarized 3bet range:

• Merged 3bet: Unlike a polarized range, the merged range contains a wider selection of hands, from strong to medium hands. Example of a merged 3bet range:

What is the difference between a 3 bet and a 4 bet?

A 4 bet is a raise made after a 3 bet, often indicating a very strong hand.

Preflop Strategy

Why make a 3 bet in poker?

The 3bet is underutilized by beginners, but it’s a very effective weapon for several reasons:

• Maximizing value from strong hands: The 3bet increases the preflop pot with strong hands, allowing you to win larger pots when you have a dominant hand.
• Isolating opponents: By reducing the number of players in the hand, you simplify the possible post-flop scenarios and increase the likelihood of controlling the hand to the end. Don’t underestimate the difficulty of playing multi-way pots!
• Exploiting fold equity: By putting pressure on opponents with a 3 bet, you encourage them to fold pre-flop, allowing you to win the pot sometimes with weaker hands, or at least prevent your opponents from hitting better hands on the flop, turn, and river.
• Taking the initiative: A 3 bet gives you the psychological and strategic advantage of initiative, making it harder for opponents to play optimally post-flop, especially since strategy in 3 bet pots is generally not well mastered.

<span class="inarticle_section">ℹ️ Important note on flop strategy: While the 3 bet is a preflop strategy, it’s essential to have a well-defined post-flop strategy in case you are called by one or more opponents.</span>

How to build your 3 bet range?

Building a 3 bet range depends on position, stack size, and your opponents’ playing style.

Position:

• The later your position (like the button or cut-off), the more you can widen your 3bet range to include bluffs and lower value hands because you will have the advantage of information by being the last to act post-flop

• In early position or out of position (like in the small blind), reduce your 3bet range to play only your best hands and avoid complex situations without initiative.

Stack size:

• With deeper stacks, you can include weaker hands in your 3bet range because you have room to play more complex pots and exploit post-flop situations.

• With smaller stacks focus on the best hands as you’ll often go all-in quickly.

How to adjust your 3 bet frequency based on opponents?

Your 3 bet frequency should also depend on your opponents:

• Against a player who 4 bets a lot: If you’re playing against aggressive players who tend to 4bet frequently, consider narrowing your 3bet range to only the best hands.
• Against a tight player who folds often: On the other hand, if your opponents often fold, you can exploit this tendency by 3-betting more widely (polarized range).
• Against a player who calls often: Finally, if you’re frequently called by a “calling station,” tighten your 3bet range to include mainly good hands (merged range).

<span class="inarticle_section">⚠ Be cautious not to over-adjust your frequency. Exploiting opponents profitably typically involves adding or subtracting just a few percentage points from the optimal frequency. The danger of deviating too much from optimal strategy is that you become exploitable.</span>

Postflop Strategy after a 3 bet

3 bet pots are often more complicated and costly, so it’s important to work on these situations carefully. Here’s an overview of general strategies, but keep in mind that these scenarios require further study!

Continuation bet (c-bet)

The c-bet is a tool often used in 3bet pots. As the pre-flop aggressor, you have the initiative, and a c-bet allows you to maintain pressure, especially against one player. However, it’s important not to c-bet every time. Some situations don’t lend themselves to it.

The main factor to consider is the texture of the flop. Does it favor your 3 bet range or your opponent’s defending range? If it favors your range, you’ll want to c-bet more often.

For example, on a dry flop (like K-7-2 rainbow), a c-bet is often effective because you’re more likely to have a better hand than your opponent. This kind of flop favors the aggressor’s range. Conversely, a flop like 7-8-9 with two hearts would favor your opponent more, and it might be better not to c-bet.

<span class="inarticle_section">🔎 On a dry flop like K-7-2 rainbow, the aggressor's range (often consisting of strong hands like AK, AA, KK) frequently connects with the king, while the defender, with a wider range that includes small pairs or suited connectors, rarely hits a strong hand on this type of board. This reduces the defender's chances of having a competitive hand, giving the aggressor the advantage. It's the complete opposite on a 7-8-9 flop.</span>

Controlling the pot size

‍In a 3 bet pot, the stakes are already high before the flop. Knowing how to control the pot size becomes very important. This is especially true with hands like top pair with a weak kicker or second pair. The idea is to limit risk by avoiding investing too much in a pot where you could be beaten.

Don’t be afraid to check, showing weakness. This allows you to maintain control of the pot, especially on flops where your hand might be vulnerable.

The goal is to avoid committing your entire stack without being sure of your hand’s strength. By checking, you can re-evaluate the situation as the streets unfold, depending on your opponents' actions and the board texture.

Bluffing post-flop

‍3bet pots also offer good bluffing opportunities. Since you’ve shown strength with the 3bet, your opponents will be more likely to fold marginal hands. Here are some tips for bluffing post-flop:

• Bluffing on dry flops: Flops like A-9-5 rainbow are unlikely to have improved your opponents' hands. A well-timed bluff on the flop and turn can push them to fold their marginal hands.
• Semi-bluff: Using hands that have equity, such as flush draws or overcards, allows you to bluff while having a chance to improve your hand if called. This gives you a “plan B” if the right card comes.