What is a 4-Bet Bluff?

A 4-bet bluff is a raise over a 3-bet with a hand that is not strong enough to value-raise, but that can win the pot immediately if the opponent folds, or can still realize equity if called. It is a semi-bluff, not a pure bluff: the hand usually has some equity (e.g., suited connectors, Axs) that can make strong hands on later streets. The goal is to apply pressure on the 3-bettor's range, which often contains hands that must fold to a 4-bet, such as light 3-bets or hands that are not strong enough to continue for a large raise.

A 4-bet bluff is not a value raise. It is not a raise with a hand like AA or KK that expects to be called by worse. It is also not a call of the 3-bet. It is a raise that is designed to either take the pot down now or to set up a favorable situation if called. It is not a random raise with any two cards; it is a deliberate selection of hands that have good equity and playability.

This raise in the sequence

In the preflop betting sequence, the 4-bet is the fourth bet. The sequence is: open-raise (first bet), 3-bet (second raise), 4-bet (third raise). A 4-bet bluff is a 4-bet made with a hand that is not a value hand. It is typically used in position or out of position, but the dynamics change.

The size of a 4-bet bluff is usually around 2.2 to 2.5 times the size of the 3-bet. For example, if the open-raise is to 3 big blinds (bb), and the 3-bet is to 9 bb, a 4-bet bluff might be to 20-22 bb. This size is large enough to force the 3-bettor to make a decision for a significant portion of their stack, but not so large that it commits the 4-bettor to the pot if they get 5-bet.

A 4-bet bluff is most effective when the 3-bettor's range is wide, meaning they are 3-betting with a lot of hands that are not premium. This often happens in late position, where players 3-bet with hands like suited connectors, small pairs, and Axs. Against a tight 3-bettor, a 4-bet bluff is less effective because they are more likely to have a strong hand and will continue.

Who should 4-bet bluff?

When to 4-bet bluff

Worked example and counter-example

Worked example (bluff works):

You are on the button. The cutoff opens to 2.5 bb. You 3-bet to 8 bb with A♠5♠. The big blind calls. The flop comes K♠7♦2♣. You bet 6 bb into a pot of 17.5 bb. The big blind folds. This is not a 4-bet bluff, but it shows how a hand like A5s can be used as a semi-bluff postflop. For a 4-bet bluff, consider this: You are on the button. The cutoff opens to 2.5 bb. You 3-bet to 8 bb with A♠5♠. The big blind 4-bet bluffs to 20 bb. You fold. The big blind wins the pot without showdown. That is a successful 4-bet bluff because the 3-bettor (you) folded.

Counter-example (bluff fails):

You are in the big blind. The button opens to 2.5 bb. You 3-bet to 9 bb with 7♠6♠. The button 4-bet bluffs to 22 bb. You call with 7♠6♠ because you have a hand that can flop well. The flop comes A♠K♦2♣. You check, the button bets 15 bb, and you fold. The button wins the pot. The 4-bet bluff worked because you folded, but it could have failed if you had a stronger hand. The key is that the 4-bet bluff is a semi-bluff, so it can win by fold equity or by hitting a strong hand.

When not to use a 4-bet bluff

Do not 4-bet bluff when the 3-bettor is a calling station who will call with a wide range. If they call, you will be out of position or in position with a hand that is often dominated. Also, do not 4-bet bluff when the effective stack is too shallow. If the stack-to-pot ratio (SPR) is low, the 3-bettor may be committed to the pot and will not fold to a 4-bet. For example, if the effective stack is 20 bb, a 4-bet bluff is risky because the 3-bettor can shove and you will have to fold, losing a significant portion of your stack.

Do not 4-bet bluff with hands that have poor equity when called, such as K2o or Q7o. These hands have little chance to improve and will often be dominated. Also, do not 4-bet bluff when the 3-bettor is a tight player who only 3-bets with premium hands. In that case, your 4-bet bluff will be called or 5-bet, and you will lose money.

Next decision after a 4-bet bluff

If the opponent calls your 4-bet bluff, you need to play postflop carefully. You will usually have a hand that is not strong, so you should be prepared to check-fold on many flops. However, if you have a hand like A5s, you can continue on flops that give you a flush draw or a pair. If the opponent 5-bets, you should fold unless you have a premium hand. A 5-bet is a strong signal that the opponent has a very strong hand, and your bluff has failed.

If the opponent folds, you win the pot without showdown. That is the ideal outcome for a 4-bet bluff.

Leaks on this raise

• 4-bet bluffing too often: If you 4-bet bluff too frequently, observant opponents will start 5-betting you with a wider range, and you will lose money. You need to balance your 4-bet range with value hands and bluffs.
• Using poor hand selection: 4-bet bluffing with hands like K2o or Q7o is a leak because these hands have poor equity when called. You should use hands that have good playability, such as suited Ax or suited connectors.
• Sizing too small: If you 4-bet bluff to a small size, the 3-bettor may call with a wide range, and you will be in a difficult spot postflop. A small 4-bet also gives the 3-bettor good odds to call, reducing your fold equity.
• Not considering position: 4-bet bluffing out of position is riskier because you will be out of position postflop if called. You should be more selective with your 4-bet bluffs when out of position.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 4-bet bluff in poker?

A 4-bet bluff is a raise over a 3-bet with a hand that is not strong enough to value-raise, but that can win the pot by forcing the opponent to fold or by realizing equity if called. It is a semi-bluff.

How often should I 4-bet bluff?

There is no fixed frequency, but you should 4-bet bluff less often than you value 4-bet. A common approach is to have a balanced range with about 1 bluff for every 2 value 4-bets, but this depends on the opponent and situation.

What hands are good for 4-bet bluffing?

Good hands for 4-bet bluffing are suited Ax (like A5s, A4s) and suited connectors (like 76s, 87s). These hands have good equity when called and block some of the opponent's value hands.

Should I 4-bet bluff with pocket pairs?

Sometimes, but be careful. Small pocket pairs like 55-77 can be used as 4-bet bluffs because they have decent equity when called, but they are not as good as suited Ax because they do not block the opponent's value range as effectively.