Flop C-Bet Basics

A continuation bet is a bet made on the flop by the preflop raiser. Since the preflop raiser typically represents a stronger range, a continuation bet continues the preflop aggression and forces opponents to give up their equity in the pot.

Why C-Bet?

• Exploit fold equity: Many preflop callers fold too often when they miss the flop (especially in low-stakes games). A c-bet can win the pot directly.
• Realize equity: Even if you miss the flop, betting prevents opponents from realizing their hand's showdown value or drawing equity.
• Maintain range advantage: The preflop raiser's range usually contains more high cards (e.g., AK, AQ) and has a higher chance of flopping top pair or middle pair. A c-bet extends this advantage.

Factors in C-Bet Decision Making

1. Flop Texture

Dry flop (e.g., K-7-2 rainbow): High fold equity, suitable for frequent c-betting (70%-80%), especially with a small size (1/3 to 1/2 pot).

Wet flop (e.g., 9-8-6 suited): Lower aggression. Prioritize betting with hands that have backdoor draws or at least bottom pair. Avoid over-bluffing with pure air. Suggested c-bet frequency around 40%-60%, with a slightly larger size (1/2 to 2/3 pot).

Rainbow vs. monotone flops: On monotone flops, c-bet frequency should be lower because opponents are more likely to hold flush draws. On rainbow flops, you can c-bet more frequently.

2. Opponent Type

• Passive/over-folding: C-bet with all reasonable hands to exploit their folding tendency.
• Aggressive floaters: Reduce c-bet frequency. Use more medium-strength hands to check-call and catch bluffs.
• Stations: Only c-bet for value (top pair or better). Avoid bluffing.

3. Position and Number of Players

• In position (e.g., BTN vs BB): Can c-bet frequently (~70%+), as you have a postflop advantage.
• Out of position (e.g., UTG vs BTN): Be more cautious; betting frequency usually drops to around 50%, and mix in check-raises.
• Multiway pots: Drastically reduce c-bet frequency. Only bet with strong made hands or strong draws.

C-Bet Size and Range Construction

Size Selection

• Small (1/3 pot): Use on dry flops or when you have a position advantage. Aim to make opponents fold unimproved marginal hands.
• Medium (1/2 pot): A standard size suitable for most flops.
• Large (2/3 to 3/4 pot): Use on wet flops or when the opponent's calling range is weak. Extracts more value and denies draws.

Example: On a J-8-2 rainbow flop, as the BTN raiser, your range includes many high cards and some top pairs. Use a small size (1/3 pot) to bet all high cards (e.g., AK, AQ) and top pairs (e.g., AJ, KJ). Mix in checking with high cards that have no draw (e.g., AT, KQ).

Building a Balanced Range

• Value bets: Top pair or better, plus nut draws (e.g., straight+flush combo draws).
• Bluff bets: Backdoor draws, gutshots, and complete misses (e.g., A-high with no draw). Control the ratio.
• Mixed strategy: Check some medium-strength hands (e.g., middle pair, bottom pair) to protect your checking range and avoid being frequently raised.

Range Construction Example (HU, BTN vs BB, flop K-7-2 rainbow):

• Bet for value: AK, KQ, KJs, 77, 22 (~10% of combos)
• Bet as bluff: AT, A9 (backdoor straight draw), QTs (backdoor flush/straight), and other high cards with no showdown value (~15% of combos)
• Check: AJo, ATo (showdown value), 88-99 (medium pairs, can call one street)
• Total c-bet frequency around 60%, fitting the high-frequency c-bet scenario.

Common Mistakes and Adjustments

• C-bet frequency too high: On wet flops or against tight-passive opponents, over-betting can lead to getting raised and forced to fold. Learn to check to protect your range.
• Ignoring opponent's hand range: If an opponent has a natural calling range on certain flops (e.g., small pairs on low flops), reduce your bluff bets.
• Uniform sizing: Using the same size every time makes you exploitable. Adjust size based on flop texture and opponent.

Summary

The core of c-betting is understanding range advantage and fold equity. Based on flop texture, opponent tendencies, and position, build a balanced range with value bets and appropriate bluffs, and flexibly adjust sizing. Remember, c-betting isn't mandatory—sometimes checking can yield more value.

Mastering c-betting can significantly improve your postflop profitability, but you must combine it with a plan for later streets to avoid being a "one-and-done" player.