What is a 3-Bet?

A 3-bet is the first re-raise after an open-raise in no-limit hold'em. Posting the big blind is the 1-bet, an open-raise is the 2-bet, and the first re-raise is the 3-bet. If the open is 3bb and you raise to 9bb, that is a 3-bet. If you raise to 7.5bb, that is also a 3-bet.

If the open has already been called, your re-raise is still a 3-bet — that line is a squeeze. Size larger and tighten. In position versus one opener, a common size is about 3x the open; out of position about 3.5x to 4x.

You can 3-bet from any seat that still has action: button, blinds, or a later seat. Versus a 2.5bb or 3bb open, a raise to 7.5bb, 9bb, or 11bb is still a 3-bet. In a squeeze, size larger because dead money is already in the pot.

What a 3-bet is

• The first re-raise after an open.
• A squeeze (open plus at least one caller, then you re-raise) is still a 3-bet.
• Typical cash size versus one opener: about 3x in position, about 3.5x to 4x out of position.

How much to 3-bet (sizing)

Versus one opener, cash-game sizes cluster around a few bands. These are typical starting points, not solver output.

Do not invent a HUD 3-bet%. Size with position, stack depth, and whether anyone has already called.

Who to 3-bet (seat vs seat)

The earlier the opener, the stronger their range, so your 3-bet should get tighter. The later the opener, the wider you can go — especially on the button. Button vs cutoff is a merged / linear-ish spot, not a default polar A5s lecture.

Linear vs polarized ranges

A linear 3-bet range is a merged continuum of strong value: you 3-bet a connected band of good hands rather than skipping the middle. Use it more when the opener calls too much, because bluffs get called.

A polarized 3-bet range is the nuts plus bluffs; medium-strength hands often call instead of 3-betting. Use polar bluffs more versus opponents who fold too much. Do not write that modern or in-position 3-bet ranges are "usually polarized." Button versus cutoff is often the linear / merged case.

Example spots

1. Take: 3-bet a cutoff open with a value hand

You are on the button with 100bb effective. The cutoff opens to 2.5bb. You hold A♠K♠. This is a clear 3-bet for value. You are ahead of the cutoff's opening range, and you want to build a pot while you likely have the best hand. Make it 7.5bb (3x the open). If the cutoff calls, you have position and a strong range advantage. If the cutoff 4-bets, you can continue with a call or a 5-bet jam depending on stack depth and your read.

2. Don't: 3-bet a tight under-the-gun open with a speculative hand

You are on the button with 100bb effective. The under-the-gun player opens to 2.5bb. You hold 9♠8♠. This is a fold. The UTG opening range is strong, and your hand has poor equity against it. A 3-bet here would be a bluff with a hand that has too much equity to fold to a 4-bet but not enough to call a 4-bet profitably. You are out of position if called, and you will often be dominated. Fold and wait for a better spot.

When not to 3-bet

• Against a very tight opener: If the opener only raises premium hands, your 3-bet bluffs will get called or 4-bet too often. Fold your weaker hands and only 3-bet for value with hands that dominate their range.
• When you are out of position with a marginal hand: From the small blind, a hand like K♠J♠ might look tempting, but you will be out of position postflop. If the opener calls, you will often be guessing. Prefer to call or fold, depending on the opener's range.
• When the opener is a calling station: If the opener rarely folds to 3-bets, your bluffs will not work. Only 3-bet for value, and consider calling with hands that play well postflop.
• When you are short-stacked: If you have less than 30bb, a 3-bet can commit too much of your stack. You may be better off shoving or folding, depending on your hand and the opener's range.
• When multiple players are left to act behind you: If you are in the blinds and there are several players yet to act, a 3-bet can get called or re-raised by a player with a strong hand. Be more selective with your 3-betting hands.

Facing a 4-bet

If they 4-bet large at 100bb, fold most 3-bet bluffs. Continue with the top of your value. Stack depth changes this: a short stack may already be committed, a deep stack can still fold bluffs. Do not default to calling 4-bets with small pairs or weak suited connectors.

Common mistakes

• 3-betting too wide from the blinds: Many players 3-bet too often from the small blind, forgetting that they will be out of position postflop. This leads to difficult situations and lost money.
• Using the same sizing in and out of position: If you 3-bet to 3x from the small blind, you are giving the button good odds to call. You should size up to 3.5–4x when out of position.
• 3-betting with hands that are too weak to call a 4-bet: If you 3-bet with a hand like K♠9♠, you will be forced to fold to a 4-bet, wasting your chips. Choose hands that have good playability or strong blockers.
• Not adjusting to the opener's range: If the opener is tight, you should 3-bet less. If the opener is loose, you can 3-bet more. Failing to adjust is a common leak.
• 3-betting with a linear range when you should be polarized: Against a calling station, a linear range is fine. But against a tight player who folds too much, you should be polarized with nuts and bluffs. Mixing up the two concepts leads to poor decisions.
• Forgetting to squeeze: When there are callers in between, you should squeeze with a larger size. Many players 3-bet the same size, giving the callers good odds to call.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 3-bet in poker?

The first re-raise after an open-raise. Posting the big blind is the 1-bet, the open is the 2-bet, and that re-raise is the 3-bet. How much should you 3-bet?

Versus a single open, about 3x in position and about 3.5x to 4x out of position. If someone has already called the open, size larger — that 3-bet is a squeeze. What is a squeeze play in poker?

A squeeze is a 3-bet made after an open-raise and one or more callers. You are raising to isolate the original raiser and force the callers to fold. You should size up your 3-bet to around 4x the open, plus 1bb for each caller, to put pressure on the field. What is the difference between a 3-bet and a 4-bet?

A 3-bet is the first re-raise after an open-raise. A 4-bet is the next re-raise after a 3-bet. For example, if the button opens to 2.5bb, the small blind 3-bets to 9bb, and the button 4-bets to 22bb. Each additional raise increases the number. Should I 3-bet with a linear or polarized range?

It depends on your opponent. Use a linear range value hands and strong hands against calling stations who rarely fold. Use a polarized range nuts and bluffs against tight players who fold too much to 3-bets. In position, you can often use a merged range, but out of position, polarization is more common. When should I not 3-bet?

Avoid 3-betting when you are out of position with a marginal hand, when the opener is very tight, or when you are short-stacked. Also, if there are multiple players left to act behind you, be more selective. In these spots, calling or folding may be better.