To consistently profit in poker, it’s not enough to play strong hands or leverage good positions. You must also master the art of sizing — knowing when and how much to raise or bet. Your sizing decisions convey pressure, represent hand strength, and shape the narrative of your play.
In this article, we’ll break down optimal raise and bet sizing strategies for both preflop and postflop scenarios, focusing on a practical balance between GTO theory and exploitative adjustments.
Preflop Raise Size Optimization
Standard Open Raise Sizes
Raise sizes should be adjusted based on stack depth, position, and table dynamics. Here are the general guidelines:
- Deep Stacks (100BB+):
Standard open size: 2.5–3BB
Allows wider ranges and deeper postflop maneuvering. - Mid Stacks (40–80BB):
Standard open size: 2–2.5BB
Balances risk and reward efficiently. - Short Stacks (15BB or less):
Opt for 1.5–2BB raises
Maintains pressure while preserving stack. - Live Cash Games vs Online MTTs:
- Live: Larger opens (~3BB) are common.
- Online: Small opens (2–2.2BB) are standard.
- Live: Larger opens (~3BB) are common.
Pro Tip:
If your goal is to steal blinds, small opens work best. For increased postflop control, lean towards slightly larger sizes.
Open Raise Sizing by Position
| Position | Standard Open Size |
| UTG–MP | 2.5BB |
| CO–BTN | 2.0–2.2BB |
| SB (First In) | ~3.0BB vs BB |
- For stacks under 15BB: reduce to under 2BB
- For stacks over 100BB: increase to 2.5–3BB when needed
Standard 3-Bet Sizes
3-bets are aggressive plays designed to deny control and isolate strong hands.
- In Position (IP):
~3x the original raise
Example: Villain opens 2BB → You 3-bet to 6BB - Out of Position (OOP):
~3.5–4x the raise
Example: Villain opens 2BB → You 3-bet to 7–8BB - Versus Limpers (Isolate Raise):
Use 4BB + 1BB per limper
Example: One limper → Raise to 5BB
Pro Tip:
3-bets narrow your opponent’s range and give you initiative. When out of position, increase size to amplify pressure.
Postflop Bet & Raise Size Optimization
Flop Continuation Bet (C-Bet) Sizes
Your bet size should reflect the texture of the board.
- Dry Boards (e.g. K♠7♣2♦):
- Suggested size: 25–33% pot
- Goal: Bet frequently and cheaply; force folds from weak ranges
- Suggested size: 25–33% pot
- Wet Boards (e.g. J♥T♥9♠):
- Suggested size: 50–70% pot
- Goal: Protect equity and extract value; punish drawing hands
- Suggested size: 50–70% pot
Concept Reminder:
Small bets for wide-range aggression on dry boards.
Larger bets for protection and value on wet, coordinated boards.
Turn Sizing
- Turn play usually involves more polarized ranges.
- Common sizes: 50–100% pot
- Use large bets with nutted hands and strong semi-bluffs.
River Sizing
- Employ overbets of 120–150% pot where applicable.
- Overbets maximize fold equity or value against bluff-catchers.
Pro Tip:
Your bet size must align with your hand’s “story.” Inconsistent overbets may backfire. Use them when they make sense in your line.
Advanced Applications
Stack Size Awareness
Your stack depth influences your flexibility and sizing choices:
- Short Stacks (~15BB or less):
You must preserve maneuverability. Keep bets and C-bets small, focusing on efficient aggression. - Deep Stacks (100BB+):
Allows wide use of bet sizing — including bluffs, thin value, and overbets. Use these tools to pressure opponents and manipulate pot geometry, especially on the river.
Adjusting for Opponent Types
Adapt your sizing based on opponent tendencies:
- Tight Players:
Go for larger value bets — they fold too often, so extract maximum when they don’t. - Loose Players:
Use moderate sizing with polarized ranges — they call wide, so don’t overbluff and choose strong hands for big bets. - Passive/Foldy Types:
Prefer small C-bets to avoid unnecessary risk and chip loss.
GTO vs Exploitative Sizing
Balancing Game Theory Optimal (GTO) and exploitative strategies is key:
- GTO ensures you’re unexploitable — use standard sizes like 25% pot C-bets in many spots.
- Exploiting weak players means deviating when they overfold, overcall, or misread sizing.
Example:
If GTO suggests 25% pot but your opponent folds to 40% pot C-bets too often, size up to increase fold equity.
Conclusion
Raise and bet sizing is a language in poker. Through sizing, you can communicate value, bluffing intent, protection, or pot control.
- Preflop: Tailor sizing based on stack depth, position, and opponent tendencies.
- Postflop: Consider board texture, hand strength, and ranges to choose effective bet sizes.
By internalizing these principles and adjusting in real time, you’ll elevate your ability to pressure opponents and maximize expected value (EV) across all streets.