What is a 3-Bet Range?

A 3-bet range is the collection of hands you choose to reraise with after an opponent has opened the pot. It is not simply your strongest hands; a balanced 3-bet range includes both value hands and bluffs, and it changes based on your position, the opener's position, and the tendencies of your opponents.

This raise in the sequence

In a no-limit hold'em hand, the first raise is the open-raise. If another player reraises, that is the 3-bet. The 3-bet range is the set of hands you use for that reraise. It is a preflop decision, and it sets the stage for the rest of the hand.

Your 3-bet range should be built around two types of hands: value hands that you expect to be ahead of your opponent's opening range, and bluff hands that have good equity when called but can also win the pot immediately if your opponent folds. A typical 3-bet range might include premium hands like AA, KK, QQ, and AK, but it also includes hands like A5s or KQs as bluffs, depending on the situation.

How much to 3-bet

The size of your 3-bet matters. A standard 3-bet size is about 3 times the open-raise, plus a bit extra for each caller. For example, if an opponent opens to 3 big blinds (BB) and there are no callers, a 3-bet to 9 BB is typical. If there is one caller, you might make it 12 BB. The goal is to give your opponent incorrect odds to call with speculative hands, while not risking too much with your bluffs.

Who to 3-bet

Your 3-bet range should be wider when you are in position (e.g., on the button) and narrower when you are out of position (e.g., in the big blind). Against a tight opener, you can 3-bet more hands for value, but against a loose opener, you might need to 3-bet more bluffs to balance.

A worked example

Imagine a live 1/2 cash game. You are on the button with A♠5♠. A player in middle position opens to $6 (3 BB). The action folds to you. This is a good spot to 3-bet to $18 (9 BB) as a bluff. Your hand has good equity when called, and you can win the pot preflop if your opponent folds. If your opponent calls, you have position and can play a pot with a hand that flops well.

Now consider a counter-example: you are in the big blind with K♠9♠. The same player opens to $6, and the action folds to you. 3-betting here is risky because you are out of position, and your hand does not have enough equity against a typical opening range. Calling is better, or even folding if the opener is very tight. A 3-bet with K9s in this spot is a leak.

When not to use a 3-bet range

Do not 3-bet just because you have a hand that looks good. If you are against a player who never folds to 3-bets, your bluffs lose value, so you should tighten your 3-bet range and focus on value. Also, do not 3-bet with hands that play poorly when called, like low offsuit connectors, unless you have a specific read that your opponent folds too often.

Another time to avoid 3-betting is when you are short-stacked. If you have less than 20 BB, your 3-bet essentially commits you to the pot, so you should only 3-bet with hands you are happy to get all-in with.

The next decision after a 3-bet

If your 3-bet is called, you need a plan for the flop. With a value hand, you should continue betting on most flops. With a bluff, you might give up if you miss, or continue if you have a draw or a good board for your range. If your opponent 4-bets, you must decide whether to call, fold, or go all-in. That decision depends on your hand strength and the effective stack size.

Leaks on this raise

• 3-betting too wide from out of position: This puts you in tough spots postflop. Tighten your range when you are in the blinds.
• Using the same 3-bet size with all hands: This makes your range easy to read. Mix up your sizes, but keep them consistent for value and bluffs.
• 3-betting with hands that have poor equity when called, like KJo, from early position: These hands are dominated and lead to difficult postflop situations.
• Failing to adjust to your opponent: If they fold too much, 3-bet more bluffs; if they call too much, 3-bet more value.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good 3-bet range in live 1/2 cash games?

In a typical live 1/2 game, a good 3-bet range from late position might include premium hands like AA, KK, QQ, and AK, plus some bluffs like A5s, A4s, and suited connectors like 76s. From early position, you should tighten up and only 3-bet with hands like QQ+ and AK.

How do I build a 3-bet range?

Start with your value hands: hands that are ahead of your opponent's opening range. Then add bluff hands that have good equity when called, such as suited aces or suited connectors. Adjust based on position and opponent tendencies.

What is the difference between a 3-bet and a 4-bet?

A 3-bet is the first reraise after an open-raise. A 4-bet is the next raise after a 3-bet. Your 3-bet range is the set of hands you use for that first reraise.

Should I 3-bet with hands like AQ or JJ?

Yes, AQ and JJ are typically strong enough to 3-bet for value, especially in position. However, if your opponent is very tight and only opens with strong hands, you might just call with these hands to avoid being dominated.