What is a 4-Bet Range?

A 4-bet range is the collection of hands you choose to raise with when facing a 3-bet. It is a deliberate, balanced mix of value hands and bluffs, not simply a list of your strongest starting cards. Many players mistakenly think a 4-bet range is only AA, KK, and maybe AK, but that narrow approach makes you exploitable and wastes profitable bluffing opportunities.

This raise in the sequence

In the preflop raising chain, the 4-bet is the fourth raise: an open-raise, a 3-bet, then your 4-bet. It is a powerful tool that ends most hands immediately, but when it does not, you must be ready for a 5-bet or a call.

How much to 4-bet

Your 4-bet size should be larger than your standard open but not so large that you commit yourself with a bluff. A common sizing is 2.2 to 2.5 times the 3-bet size. For example, if you open to 3 big blinds (bb) and the opponent 3-bets to 10 bb, a 4-bet to 22–25 bb is typical. This size gives you fold equity against many 3-bets while keeping your bluffs affordable.

Who 4-bets and with what

Your 4-bet range depends on your position and the opponent's tendencies. In general, you should 4-bet wider from late positions and against aggressive 3-bettors, and tighter from early positions and against tight 3-bettors.

This table is a typical example, not a solver output. Your exact range should adapt to the opponent's 3-bet frequency and your table image.

Leaks on this raise

• 4-betting only premiums: If your 4-bet range is only AA and KK, observant opponents will fold everything except the nuts when you 4-bet, and you will rarely get action. You also miss out on bluffing opportunities.
• 4-betting too many bluffs: If you 4-bet bluff with too many hands, you will get called or 5-bet too often, and you will lose chips with marginal hands. Balance is key.
• Using the same size for all hands: If you size your 4-bet differently with value hands and bluffs, opponents can read your hand strength. Use a consistent size for your entire 4-bet range.
• Ignoring position: 4-betting from early position with a wide range is risky because you are out of position and more likely to face a 5-bet. Tighten your range in early position.

When not to 4-bet

Do not 4-bet when the opponent's 3-bet range is extremely tight, such as a passive player who only 3-bets with QQ+ and AK. In that spot, your 4-bet bluffs have no fold equity, and your value hands are only slightly ahead. Instead, you can call with hands that flop well, like suited connectors, and fold the rest.

Also, avoid 4-betting with hands that play well postflop but have poor equity against a 5-bet calling range. For example, a hand like A5s is a good 4-bet bluff because it blocks AA and AK, but if the opponent 5-bets, you can fold without losing much. However, if you are deep-stacked and the opponent is unlikely to fold, calling might be better.

Next decision after a 4-bet

When you 4-bet, you have three possible outcomes:

1. Opponent folds: You win the pot uncontested. This is the most common result and is fine.
2. Opponent calls: You go to the flop with a hand that is often strong but not always. You should play postflop based on your hand strength and the board texture. With a value hand like AA, you continue betting for value. With a bluff like A5s, you often check-fold unless you hit a strong draw.
3. Opponent 5-bets: You must decide whether to call, fold, or jam. With a value hand like AA or KK, you usually call or jam. With a bluff, you fold. Your 4-bet range should be designed so that you can comfortably fold bluffs to a 5-bet without feeling you wasted chips.

Worked example (in bb)

You are on the button with A♠5♠. The cutoff opens to 3 bb, you call, and the big blind 3-bets to 12 bb. The cutoff folds. You decide to 4-bet to 27 bb. The big blind folds. You win the pot of 18 bb (the 3 bb open, your 3 bb call, and the 12 bb 3-bet). This is a successful 4-bet bluff because you used a hand that blocks AA and AK, and your size pressured the opponent.

Counter-example (in bb)

You are in the big blind with 7♠6♠. The button opens to 2.5 bb, you call, and the small blind 3-bets to 11 bb. The button folds. You decide to 4-bet to 25 bb. The small blind 5-bets all-in for 100 bb. You have to fold, losing 25 bb. This is a poor 4-bet because 76s is not a good bluff hand—it does not block the opponent's value range, and you are out of position. You would have been better off calling to see a flop or folding.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 4-bet in poker?

A 4-bet is the fourth raise in the preflop betting sequence: an open-raise, a 3-bet, then your 4-bet. It is a raise over a 3-bet, used to either get value with strong hands or to bluff and force folds.

How big should a 4-bet be?

A typical 4-bet size is 2.2 to 2.5 times the 3-bet size. For example, if the 3-bet is to 10 bb, a 4-bet to 22–25 bb is common. This size provides fold equity while keeping bluffs affordable.

What hands should I 4-bet with?

Your 4-bet range should include value hands like AA, KK, and sometimes QQ and AK, plus bluff hands like A5s, A4s, and suited connectors. The exact mix depends on position and opponent tendencies.

Should I 4-bet with AK?

Yes, AK is often a 4-bet for value, especially in position. It blocks AA and KK and has good equity against many hands. However, if the opponent's 3-bet range is very tight, you might prefer to call with AK to keep their weaker hands in.