Flop Range Cbet Frequency Table: Building GTO Strategy Based on Position

Positional Scenarios

Flop bet frequency is closely related to position. When out of position (e.g., defending from the big blind), [bet frequency] is typically lower, while in position (e.g., continuation betting from the button) it is higher. The following frequency tables are given for common preflop raise scenarios, assuming heads-up pots with a preflop raise size of about 2.5bb–3bb.

Recommended Ranges (Hand Types in Text)

Scenario 1: Preflop raiser (CO/BTN) continuation betting in position

• High frequency bet (approx. 65–75%): Top pair or better (e.g., top pair top kicker, two pair, trips), combo draws (flush + straight draw), overpairs, some draws (e.g., open‑ended straight draws, [flush draw]).
• Mixed check (approx. 25–35%): [Bottom pair], middle pair, weak [top pair] (poor [kicker]), pure air (e.g., ace‑high with no draw), and a few strong hands (slow‑play for balance).

Scenario 2: Preflop raiser (UTG/MP) continuation betting out of position

• Low‑to‑medium frequency bet (approx. 40–50%): Top pair or better, combo draws, overpairs. Tends to bet strong made hands and draws that are less likely to be outdrawn; weak hands like bottom pair and [air] are usually checked.
• Check defense: The remaining range ([bottom pair], middle pair, weak [top pair], ace‑high) is used for [check‑call] or [check‑raise].

Scenario 3: Big blind defending out of position

• Low frequency bet (approx. 30–40%): Hits top pair or better, two pair or better, combo draws. Weak made hands and pure air are almost never bet; mostly [check‑fold] or [check‑raise].
• Check range includes: top pair weak kicker, middle pair, bottom pair, draws (e.g., flush draw), ace‑high.

Scenario 4: Small blind vs big blind (preflop raiser vs caller)

• Frequency approx. 50–60%: Similar to preflop raiser in position, but more balanced between bet and check.

Range Construction Logic

Core principles: Hand value + [blocker effect] + range polarization.

• [Value bet]: Hands that can withstand 2–3 streets of value betting, such as top pair with good kicker and very strong hands.
• Draw betting: High‑equity draws (e.g., combo draws) used as semi‑bluffs that remain playable even when raised.
• Trash hand exclusion: Out of position, pure air (no draw at all) tends to be checked; in position, air can be bet occasionally (using fold equity).
• [Blocker effect]: For example, holding an A or K reduces the probability that an opponent has top pair, increasing bluff success rate.

Adjustment Factors

• Flop board texture: On wet boards (e.g., 789 two‑tone), [bet frequency] decreases (check to protect range); on dry boards (e.g., K72 rainbow), frequency increases.
• Opponent tendencies: Against frequent folders, increase betting frequency; against aggressive raisers, decrease frequency and increase the proportion of value bets.
• [Stack depth]: With deep stacks, betting frequency can be slightly lower (keep playability); with shallow stacks, range becomes more polarized.
• [Multi‑way pot]: Each additional opponent reduces bet frequency by 10–15%.

[GTO] Reference

In theory, [GTO] models for heads‑up pots in position have a continuation bet frequency of 60–70%, with about 55% value hands and 45% balanced bluffs. Out of position, the betting frequency drops to 35–45%. In practice, humans can use a simplified strategy: in position, bet 75% of strong hands and draws; out of position, bet 50% of strong hands. Note: When adjusting frequencies, ensure the checking range has sufficient defensive strength (e.g., [check‑raise frequency] no lower than 15%).

Practical Application

1. Record your own cbet frequency: Use [HUD] or manual review to aim for ~65% in position and ~40% out of position. If the deviation exceeds 10%, adjust your preflop range or flop decisions.
2. Against high‑frequency cbet opponents: Expand your check‑raise range (raise more draws and weak made hands) and reduce fold frequency.
3. Against low‑frequency cbet opponents: Exploitatively fold (when they bet, they are usually strong) and increase your own betting frequency to steal pots.
4. Practice building ranges: For specific flops, write down your betting range and checking range, and simulate opponent reactions.

Remember: Frequency tables are a starting point, not an endpoint. Adjust based on opponents and board dynamics; stay balanced while seeking exploitative opportunities.