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Glossary Term
Continuation Bet
Continuation Bet
Used In: Poker
Introduction
A continuation bet, often called a “c-bet,” is a bet made by the player who took the lead in the pre-flop betting round, even after the community cards are revealed. The purpose of a c-bet is to continue applying pressure to opponents, especially when the player was the aggressor before the flop. It is a standard strategy used in no-limit Texas Hold'em, as it helps to maintain control of the hand and keep opponents guessing about the strength of the player's cards.
Even if the player has missed the flop, a c-bet is often made as a way to represent strength. By betting after the flop, the player can make it appear as though they have a strong hand, forcing opponents to fold weaker hands. This tactic is most effective when the player is in a favorable position, such as having the last action on the betting round. The c-bet helps to keep the pressure on, especially against players who are less experienced or prone to folding when faced with a strong bet.
However, a continuation bet isn’t always the best move. If the board shows cards that are likely to improve an opponent's hand, such as connected or suited cards, a c-bet might not be as effective. Skilled players will recognize when the bet is a bluff and may call or raise with weaker hands. Therefore, it’s important to consider the situation, the opponents' tendencies, and the texture of the board before deciding whether to make a c-bet.
In Depth Look
A continuation bet (c-bet) is an important tool in poker, especially in no-limit Texas Hold'em, where the player who took the lead in the pre-flop betting round often continues to bet after the flop. This strategy is designed to maintain the initiative and to pressure opponents, regardless of whether the player actually improved their hand. By betting after the flop, the player signals strength and can force opponents with weak hands to fold. Even if the player has missed the flop, a c-bet can still be effective in convincing opponents that they have a strong hand, leading them to fold more often than they would if no bet was made. This tactic works particularly well against opponents who are more likely to fold under pressure or those who are playing passively.
While a c-bet can be a strong strategy, it’s important to consider the board texture and the type of opponents you are facing. If the community cards are coordinated or likely to help your opponents, a c-bet may not be as effective, as skilled players can recognize that the bet is a bluff. For instance, if the board shows high cards or a flush draw, opponents may call or even raise, especially if they have strong hands or good draws. Additionally, players who are more experienced or aggressive may respond to the c-bet by re-raising, putting you in a tough spot. Therefore, the c-bet should be used wisely and adjusted based on the situation.
Key Points:
- A continuation bet is made by the player who led the pre-flop betting
- It puts pressure on opponents and can force them to fold weaker hands.
- The effectiveness of a c-bet depends on board texture and opponent tendencies.
- If the board is coordinated or favors the opponents, the c-bet may be less effective.
- Skilled opponents may recognize a c-bet as a bluff and respond aggressively.
Mechanics
The mechanics of a continuation bet (c-bet) are fairly straightforward. After the pre-flop betting round, once the flop is revealed, the player who took the lead in the betting (usually the player who raised pre-flop) will make a bet on the flop, regardless of whether they have improved their hand or not. This bet is meant to continue the aggression they showed pre-flop and to maintain control of the hand. The size of the c-bet typically ranges from about one-half to two-thirds of the pot, though the exact amount can vary depending on the player’s strategy and the texture of the board. The goal is to force opponents to make difficult decisions, especially if they have weak hands or no clear draw to a stronger hand.
The c-bet works best when used with consistency, especially against opponents who are likely to fold weaker hands or those who have not connected well with the flop. However, players should adjust their approach based on the board and the tendencies of their opponents. For example, if the board shows high cards or coordinated cards (like suited or connected cards), a c-bet might be less likely to succeed against opponents who are holding a strong hand or a good draw. On the other hand, if the flop misses most hands, a c-bet can often succeed in forcing opponents to fold, as they will not want to risk continuing with a weak hand.
Illustrated Example
Let's consider an example to illustrate how a continuation bet (c-bet) works in poker. Imagine you're playing a game of Texas Hold'em and you are in the “button” position (last to act). You’re dealt Ace of Hearts and King of Spades, and you raise pre-flop to $10. The players in the blinds fold, and two players call your raise, so the pot is now $30. The dealer then deals the flop: 9 of Diamonds, 3 of Hearts, and Queen of Spades. Although the board isn’t favorable for you (you don’t have a pair or a strong draw), you decide to make a continuation bet of $20. The goal is to maintain pressure on your opponents and possibly get them to fold weaker hands. Your opponents both call, which shows they are either drawing to something or believe they have a decent hand.
Now, let’s look at the outcome when the turn card is revealed: 10 of Hearts, completing a possible straight. The first player checks, and the second player also checks. With your c-bet earlier, you maintained control of the hand, and now that the board is more dangerous with a completed straight draw, you may need to evaluate your next move carefully. If you still believe your opponents missed the straight or are drawing weak hands, a second barrel (a second c-bet) might be in order. Here’s a table to visualize the situation:
| Player | Action | Board |
|---|---|---|
| You | Raise to $10 | 9♦ 3♥ Q♠|
| You | C-bet $20 | 9♦ 3♥ Q♠|
| Turn | – | 9♦ 3♥ Qâ™ 10♥ |
Player Perspective
From a player’s perspective, a continuation bet (c-bet) is a strategic move designed to maintain control of the hand and apply pressure on opponents. When you make a c-bet, you're essentially continuing the story you started pre-flop, representing a strong hand to your opponents. This tactic is especially useful when you're in a favorable position, such as being the last to act or having an aggressive table image. The c-bet forces your opponents to decide whether they want to commit more chips with weaker hands or continue in the hand at all. Even if you miss the flop, the c-bet can make it appear as though you’ve connected, leading opponents to fold, which can win you the pot without having to show your hand.
However, using a c-bet requires careful consideration of the board texture and the tendencies of your opponents. If the community cards are highly coordinated or likely to have helped your opponents, a c-bet may not be as effective, as skilled players will often see through the bluff. For example, if the flop hits a strong hand like a flush or straight draw, your c-bet might be called or even raised. Therefore, as a player, you need to gauge the situation—knowing when to use the c-bet aggressively and when to adjust based on how your opponents are playing. Overusing the c-bet can also lead to predictability, so varying your approach is essential to keep your opponents guessing.
Conclusion
The continuation bet is a powerful tool in poker that allows players to maintain aggression and control of the hand after the flop. When used correctly, it can force opponents to fold weaker hands, build the pot, and protect your pre-flop raise. However, its effectiveness depends on factors like the board texture, your opponents' tendencies, and your overall table image. While a c-bet can be a strong strategy, it should be used thoughtfully and varied to avoid becoming too predictable. Understanding when and how to make a continuation bet is a key skill for any player looking to succeed in poker.
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Branimir Ivanov | Senior News Contributor