Continuous betting (C-Bet) is one of the most important aspects of Texas Hold’em. Understanding how and why you should use it is an essential foundation for being a skilled and profitable player in tournaments or cash games.
There are six main aspects that can influence C-Bet sizes and frequencies in tournaments. While these key factors often work this way, there are always exceptions to every rule.
Note: These manual examples are taken from RangeTrainerPro, and all solutions are up to 0.5% exploitation.
Stack depth – Arguably the most important aspect of C-Bet size. In general, the more efficient you are in terms of betting size, the more you have the option of choosing a larger C-Bet size.
Example: if UTG It opens and the big blind draws 40 big blinds, and the flop is J
9
5After checking the big blind, the opener must bet C 84% of the time, pick 1/4 of the pot 7% of the time, 2/3 of the pot 35% of the time, and the full pot 41% of the time. .
However, if UTG It opens and the big blind folds from only 20 big blinds, and the flop is J 9 5After checking the big blind, the opening player must bet C 97% of the time, choosing 1/4 pot 69%, 2/3 pot 8%, and full pot 0%.
This example clearly shows that a shallow stack does not require a large C-Bet size. This is largely due to the fact that it is still very easy for everything to happen in shallow piles, even with a small failed bet.
Board texture – The more cards that change the best possible hand, the more dynamic the texture of the board will be. The fewer cards that change the best possible hand, the more stable it becomes.
Typically, more dynamic boards have options for larger bet sizes and with higher frequencies. Dynamic panels can also cause the pre-attender to check back more often.
Example: if UTG It opens and the big blind draws 40 big blinds, and the flop is J 9 5After checking the big blind, the opener must bet C 84% of the time, pick 1/4 of the pot 7% of the time, 2/3 of the pot 35% of the time, and the full pot 41% of the time. .
However, if you change the permutation to J 9 5Then, after checking the big blind, the opening player must bet 81% of the time, choosing 1/4 of the pot each time.
This example shows that in static panels, smaller sizes are preferred, and generally in dynamic panels, larger sizes are preferred.
Ranges – This is definitely the most complex aspect of the C-bet, and there are many sides to it. For this reason, I will just list and define each of the key elements, and note how they affect bet sizes and frequencies.
1. Player Ranges – What happened pre-flop, and therefore what ranges go on the flop will determine many aspects of the hand, and these aspects will often influence range advantage and range interaction further.
2. Range Advantage – Which player has the strongest overall range in this position. In general, the larger the advantage, the more bets the player will place.
3. Nut Perk – A modified tool for the Range perk. In many situations, a player who often has high-quality hands will be able to choose larger sizes more often.
4. Scale interaction – Different plate textures will relate to different pre-actuation positions. For example, against an open early position, a flop of J-10-9 will hit the connected button more, while a flop of 5-6-7 will hit a big initial defense more.
High Bet or Triple Bet+ – Whether you are playing in a single raised pot (SRP) or triple bet + often determines the size options.
For example, unless you are very efficient at three betting, you will often bet C only 1/4 of the bet. This is due to the nature of how intense bands work as well as being less effective.
position – Being inside or outside the position often determines the number of checks and bet sizes. This is especially true on turn and river, where a position player rarely bets less than half of the pot.
Example: If the pieces are opened and the button cancels 60 big blinds, and the flop is J 9 5, the opening player must bet C 26% of the time, choose 1/4 of the pot 4% of the time, 2/3 of the pot 8% of the time, and the full pot 13% of the time. If the C-Bet is 2/3 on the flop and the turn is J
they must be in barrel mode 22% of the time, with 1/4 pot 1%, 2/3 pot 20% and full pot 0%.
However, if the blind is opened and the small blind (similar to a button range) of 60 is canceled the big blind, and the flop is J 9 5, then after checking the small blind, the opening player must bet C 49% of the time, choosing 1/4 of the pot 0%, 2/3 of the pot 37%, and the full pot 11% of the time. If they bet 2/3 on the flop, on a J turn After checking this, the cut should be spotty 44% of the time, for a quarter bowl 0%, for a 2/3 bowl 36%, and for a full bowl 8%.
ICM pressure – Apply more ICM Squeeze (financial pressure caused by wage jumps) from a larger stack to a medium or shorter stack has a similar effect on the position as if they were in the range of a larger advantage. Therefore, they will reach the C bet more frequently and often choose smaller sizes. ♠
Ryan LaPlante is the co-founder of LearnProPoker And the RangeTrainerPro GTO Study tool. The 14-year veteran has more than $8 million in career tournament earnings. The Minnesota native won the Poker Masters tournament and WSOP An arena aligned with 14 World Series of Poker final tables and a bracelet. You can find him on Instagram RealProtential, Twitter/X @ProtentialMN, or send an email to pokerprotentialgmail.com.
