Flop C-bet Basics: When to Bet and How to Build Ranges

What is a Continuation Bet?

A continuation bet (Continuation Bet, also known as a C-Bet) is a bet made on the flop by the preflop aggressor (typically the preflop raiser). Since the preflop raiser has already shown strength, betting on the flop continues this advantage, forcing opponents to fold or setting up a value bet.

Theoretical Foundation of Continuation Betting

• Initiative: The preflop raiser usually has a stronger range and acts first on the flop, allowing them to apply pressure using range advantage.
• Fold Equity: Opponents who miss the flop will frequently fold when facing a reasonably sized bet.
• Balance: Continuation betting can be used for both value betting and bluffing, making it hard for opponents to read your hand.

When to Make a Continuation Bet?

1. Board Texture

• Dry Flops (e.g., K♠7♣2♦): A high percentage of your opponent's range misses this flop, making continuation bets highly successful. A small bet (about 1/3 pot) usually suffices.
• Wet Flops (e.g., 8♠7♠6♦): Opponents may have many draws or made hands, so a continuation bet requires a larger size (about 2/3 pot) or should be considered for checking.

2. Position

• In Position (raised preflop and have position postflop): You can continuation bet more frequently because it's easier to control the action.
• Out of Position (raised preflop but without position postflop): More caution is needed, especially against multiple opponents.

3. Number of Opponents

• Heads-Up Pots: Continuation bet frequency is typically high, around 60-80%.
• Multi-Way Pots: The more opponents, the higher the chance someone has hit the flop, so c-bet frequency should decrease, and bet sizes often need to be larger.

4. Range Advantage

• High Range Advantage: For example, you raised preflop and opponent called, flop comes A♠K♣2♦. You have all top pair or better, your opponent's range is weak, so you can continuation bet frequently.
• Low Range Advantage: For example, you raised preflop and opponent called, flop comes 7♠6♠5♦. Your range is unlikely to connect with this low board, while your opponent has more middle and small pairs and draws. In this case, c-bet frequency should be reduced.

How to Build a Continuation Bet Range

Value Bet Portion

• Top pair or better: Usually continuation bet for value.
• Middle pairs: Can also value bet on dry flops, but on wet flops, consider checking to control the pot.

Bluff Portion

• Backdoor Draws: For example, A♣K♦ on a 8♠7♠2♣ flop has a backdoor straight draw, making it a suitable bluff continuation bet.
• Complete Misses: For example, 9♣5♣ on a K♠Q♦3♥ flop, with no connection, consider checking due to lack of draw potential.

Mixed Strategy

• For marginal hands (e.g., bottom pair or gutshot straight draw), decide whether to continuation bet based on opponent type and flop texture.
• Typical example: On a J♠T♠9♦ flop, holding A♠Q♣, you have both overcards and a backdoor flush and straight draw, making it a great bluff candidate. Bet about 2/3 pot.

Common Adjustments

• Against Calling Stations: Reduce bluff frequency, increase value bets, and use slightly larger bet sizes.
• Against Tight-Passive Opponents: Increase continuation bet frequency, exploiting their tendency to fold too often.
• After Checking the Flop: If you checked the flop, sometimes you need to bet on the turn (a delayed continuation bet), especially if the turn card improves your range.

Summary

Continuation betting is a core flop strategy, but not every hand is suitable for betting. Consider board texture, number of opponents, position, and range advantage. Mix value hands and bluffs appropriately, and adjust based on opponent type. Remember: The goal of a continuation bet is to maximize expected value, not simply to achieve a certain bet frequency.