In poker, 3-betting and 4-betting are crucial tactics that allow players to apply pressure and take control of the game. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of 3-betting and 4-betting, including their purpose, ideal scenarios for execution, and bet sizing adjustments. We’ll also explore practical examples to help you incorporate these strategies into your gameplay.
What is a 3-Bet?
A 3-bet (Three-Bet) in poker refers to a re-raise made after an initial open raise.
Example:
- Player A opens with a 2BB raise.
- Player B re-raises to 6BB.
- This re-raise (6BB) is considered a 3-bet.
The term “3-bet” comes from counting the big blind (BB) as the first bet, the open raise as the second, and the re-raise as the third bet.
Objectives of a 3-Bet
There are three primary reasons for making a 3-bet:
1. Value Bet
When holding a strong hand (e.g., AA, KK, QQ, AKs), the goal is to extract maximum value by inducing a call or even a 4-bet from the opponent. A well-balanced value 3-bet signals strength while still enticing calls.
2. Bluff 3-Bet
A bluff 3-bet aims to force an opponent to fold weaker hands. This is particularly effective against players who open with wide ranges (loose players).
3. Balancing Your Range
If you only 3-bet with premium hands, opponents can easily identify your strategy and adjust accordingly. To counter this, it’s crucial to mix in bluff hands (such as suited connectors or hands like A5s) to maintain a well-balanced range.
When to 3-Bet?
Knowing when to 3-bet is key to maximizing its effectiveness. Below are the optimal situations for executing a 3-bet:
1. When You Have Positional Advantage
3-bets from late positions (Button or Cutoff) are particularly effective, as they allow for better post-flop decision-making.
2. Against Wide-Range Openers
If an opponent raises frequently (loose player), a 3-bet can apply pressure and force folds. Players opening from CO (Cutoff) or BTN (Button) often have a wide range, making them prime targets for 3-bets.
3. Against Players Who Fold Easily
Tighter players (who rarely call 3-bets) can be exploited with frequent bluff 3-bets.
4. Deep Stack Situations
When playing with deep stacks (100BB or more), 3-betting allows you to build a pot and play aggressively post-flop while maintaining control.
Example 3-Bet Scenario
Situation:
- Opponent raises to 2.5BB from CO.
- You hold ♠A, ♠K on the Button (BTN).
- You 3-bet to 7.5BB.
Why this works:
✅ AK is a strong value hand, capable of getting calls from weaker hands.
✅ Having position on the opponent gives you an advantage post-flop.
✅ CO’s opening range is likely wide, increasing the success rate of a 3-bet.
What is a 4-Bet?
A 4-bet is the next step in the betting sequence, occurring when a player re-raises a 3-bet.
Example:
- UTG raises to 2.5BB.
- BTN 3-bets to 8BB.
- BB 4-bets to 20BB.
The 4-bet is the 20BB re-raise by the Big Blind (BB).
Objectives of a 4-Bet
1. Value 4-Bet
With premium hands (AA, KK, QQ, AKs), a 4-bet helps build the pot against opponents willing to call or 5-bet.
2. Bluff 4-Bet
A bluff 4-bet is effective against opponents who 3-bet aggressively with a wide range. By 4-betting light, you force them to fold hands like medium pairs or suited connectors.
Example Bluff 4-Bet:
- CO opens to 3BB.
- BTN 3-bets to 9BB.
- You (SB) 4-bet to 20BB with ♣A, ♠5.
If BTN’s 3-bet range is wide, a bluff 4-bet can successfully force folds.
When to 4-Bet?
1 Opponent frequently 3-bets light (wide range).
2 You hold a premium hand and want maximum value.
3 Opponent is tight and folds often to 4-bets.
Optimal 3-Bet & 4-Bet Sizing
3-Bet Sizing
A 3-bet should be 2.5x to 3.5x the open raise.
✅ Standard 3-bet sizing examples:
- 2.5BB open → 7.5BB 3-bet
- 3BB open → 9BB 3-bet
- 4BB open → 12BB 3-bet
4-Bet Sizing
A 4-bet should be 2.2x to 2.8x the 3-bet size.
✅ Standard 4-bet sizing examples:
- 9BB 3-bet → 22BB 4-bet
- 10BB 3-bet → 24BB 4-bet
Key Strategy Considerations
1. Analyze Your Opponent’s Play Style
・Loose players: Increase bluff 3-bets to exploit wide ranges.
・ Tight players: Focus on value 3-bets, reducing bluffs.
2. Use Position to Your Advantage
・ Late-position (BTN, CO) 3-bets & 4-bets tend to have higher success rates.
3. Maintain a Balanced Range
If you only 3-bet/4-bet with strong hands, opponents will exploit you.
Incorporate bluff hands like suited connectors (A5s, T9s) to stay unpredictable.
4. Consider Stack Sizes
・Deep Stacks (100BB+): Standard 3-bet/4-bet sizes.
・ Mid Stacks (40-80BB): Be selective, reduce unnecessary aggression.
・ Short Stacks (40BB-): All-in plays become viable instead of standard 4-bets.
Conclusion
Mastering 3-bet and 4-bet strategies is essential for poker success. By understanding optimal bet sizing, opponent tendencies, and positional advantages, you can significantly increase your win rate.
Key Takeaways:
・3-bet = 2.5x to 3.5x the open raise.
・4-bet = 2.2x to 2.8x the 3-bet size.
・ Adapt based on opponent tendencies & position.
Start implementing these strategies today and take your poker game to the next level!