The continuation bet
Why the player who raised before the flop should often bet again on it, when to do it, how much, and when to give up.
A continuation bet, or c-bet, is a bet on the flop by the player who raised before the flop. You "continue" the story your raise started: you have a strong hand. It is the most common bet in poker, and the reason it works is simple arithmetic.
Why it works
Two unpaired cards miss the flop about two times in three. When you raise and one player calls, they usually have nothing much on the flop either. A bet asks them to have something, and most of the time they do not.
On top of that, your raise told everyone you have a strong range, and the flop often looks better for that range than for theirs. A board of A♥K♦4♣ hits the hands people raise with (AK, AQ, KQ, big pairs) far more than the hands people call with.
When to c-bet
C-bet often when:
- The flop favours your range. High cards, especially aces and kings, on dry boards: K♠7♦2♣.
- You are heads-up. Each extra opponent makes it much more likely someone hit.
- You have position. You can bet, and if called, still decide later with more information.
- You have a real hand or a real draw. Then the bet makes money either way.
Check more often when:
- The flop connects with your opponent's calling range. Low, connected, two-suited boards like 8♥7♥6♣ smash the hands that call raises.
- You are against three or more players. Someone hit.
- You have a medium hand that wants to get to showdown cheaply. Second pair often prefers a check.
How much?
Size by board texture, not by your hand:
| Board | Example | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, high cards | K♠7♦2♣ | Small: a third of the pot |
| Paired | 8♠8♦3♣ | Small: a third of the pot |
| Wet, connected | J♥10♥8♣ | Bigger: two thirds to three quarters |
On dry boards a small bet does the same job for less: your opponent has rarely hit, and those who missed fold to any bet. On wet boards there are many draws, and a bigger bet makes them pay. See board texture.
The turn: the second barrel
If your c-bet is called, the turn is where most players give up too often or keep firing with nothing. Keep betting when:
- the turn card improves your hand or your draw;
- it is a scare card for your opponent - an ace or king that fits your raising range;
- your hand still has equity if called.
Check and give up when the turn changes nothing and you have no hand: a called c-bet means your opponent has something.
In a home game
Many recreational players call the flop with any pair or any draw, and some with just two overcards. Against them, c-bet less with nothing, and more and bigger with real hands. Against tight players who fold unless they hit, c-bet almost every dry flop.