Continuation betting (c-betting) is one of the most fundamental strategies in poker. It occurs when a player who raised before the flop continues their aggression with a bet on the flop, regardless of whether their hand improved. A well-executed c-bet forces opponents into difficult decisions and allows the aggressor to maintain control of the hand.

Maintaining Initiative

By making a preflop raise, a player represents strength. Following up with a c-bet reinforces this perception, making it difficult for opponents to determine the actual strength of the hand. Even if the board misses, continuing to bet keeps opponents guessing and often leads to winning uncontested pots.

Forcing Folds from Weaker Hands

Many players miss the flop entirely, meaning a well-timed c-bet can cause them to fold. This is especially 天博体育 effective on dry board textures where few strong hands are possible. Betting in these situations allows the aggressor to win pots without needing a strong hand, increasing long-term profitability.

Reading Opponent Reactions

A continuation bet provides valuable information about an opponent’s range. A quick fold indicates a weak hand, while a call or raise suggests a stronger holding. Recognizing patterns in how opponents react to c-bets helps refine future betting strategies and exploit weaknesses.

Choosing the Right Board Textures

Not all boards are ideal for c-betting. Dry flops with high cards, such as king-high or ace-high boards, are excellent for c-bets because they favor the preflop raiser’s range. However, coordinated or draw-heavy flops require more caution, as opponents are more likely to continue with strong hands or draws.

Balancing C-Bets with Value Hands and Bluffs

Consistently c-betting every hand can become predictable, making it easy for opponents to exploit. Mixing in strong value hands with occasional bluffs keeps the betting range balanced. A well-balanced approach ensures that opponents cannot easily determine whether the bet is made with strength or as a bluff.

Adjusting to Opponent Tendencies

Some opponents fold too often to c-bets, making it profitable to bet frequently against them. Others call too much, requiring more selective aggression with stronger holdings. Observing tendencies and adjusting the c-bet frequency accordingly increases the effectiveness of this strategy.