What is a 4-Bet Value?

A 4-bet value is a raise intending to get called by worse hands. It is not a bluff. In the preflop raise chain, the 4-bet is the fourth bet: someone opens, someone 3-bets, and you raise again. When that raise is for value, you are not trying to make everyone fold. You want action from hands that are behind but will still put money in.

This raise in the sequence

The preflop betting sequence is: open-raise, 3-bet, 4-bet, 5-bet. A 4-bet value sits at the third raise. It is a raise that expects to be called by worse hands, and it also protects your equity against hands that might outdraw you. It is not a bluff, and it is not a semi-bluff. You are raising because you believe you have the best hand most of the time.

What it is not

A 4-bet value is not a 4-bet bluff. A 4-bet bluff is a raise with a hand that you plan to fold if the opponent 5-bets. A 4-bet value is a raise with a hand that you plan to call a 5-bet with, or even shove over it. It is also not a 3-bet. The 3-bet is the first raise after the open; the 4-bet is the second raise. The size and the range are different.

How much to raise

A typical 4-bet size is about 2.2 to 2.5 times the 3-bet size. For example, if the open was 3 big blinds (bb), and the 3-bet was to 9 bb, a 4-bet to about 20-22 bb is standard. This size gives your opponent bad odds to call with speculative hands, but it is not so large that you are only getting action from hands that beat you. You want to keep worse hands in, but you also want to charge draws and weaker made hands.

Who you are against

Your 4-bet value range depends on the opponent. Against a tight 3-bettor, your value range is narrower. Against a loose 3-bettor, you can 4-bet more hands for value. Position matters too. When you are in position, you can 4-bet a wider range because you will have the advantage after the flop. Out of position, you need a stronger range because you will be at a disadvantage postflop.

Worked example

You are in the cutoff with QQ. The button opens to 3 bb, and the big blind 3-bets to 11 bb. You 4-bet to 24 bb. This is a value 4-bet. You expect to be called by hands like JJ, TT, AQs, and sometimes AK. You also expect to fold out hands like AQ or KQs. If the big blind 5-bets, you have a decision. Against most players, QQ is a call against a 5-bet, but against a very tight player, you might fold. The point is that you raised for value, not to bluff.

Counter-example

You are in the small blind with A5s. The button opens to 3 bb, and the big blind 3-bets to 10 bb. You 4-bet to 22 bb. This is not a value 4-bet. A5s is a hand that is usually behind the 3-betting range. You are 4-betting as a bluff, hoping to fold out hands like AQ or KQs. If you get called, you are often dominated. This is a 4-bet bluff, not a value raise.

When not to use it

Do not 4-bet for value when the opponent's 3-betting range is so tight that they only have QQ+, AK. In that case, your value range is only KK and AA. If you 4-bet with QQ, you are turning it into a bluff, because you are hoping to fold out hands that beat you, but you will get called by hands that beat you. Also, do not 4-bet for value when you are out of position and the opponent is a calling station. You will get called by worse, but you will be out of position with a hand that is often dominated on many flops. In that case, you might prefer to call and keep the pot small.

Leaks on this raise

• 4-betting too wide for value. If you 4-bet hands like AQ or TT against a tight 3-bettor, you are often value-owning yourself. You will get called by better hands and fold out worse hands.
• Sizing too small. A 4-bet that is only 2x the 3-bet gives the opponent good odds to call with suited connectors and small pairs. You want to charge them, so use a size that makes their call unprofitable.
• 4-betting for value and then folding to a 5-bet. If you 4-bet for value, you should be prepared to call a 5-bet with the top of your range. If you fold, you are turning your value raise into a bluff, and you are wasting chips.
• Not adjusting to the opponent. If the opponent 3-bets a lot, you can 4-bet more hands for value. If they 3-bet rarely, you should tighten your value range. Failing to adjust is a leak.

Next decision

After you 4-bet for value, the next decision is how to respond to a 5-bet. If the opponent 5-bets, you need to decide whether to call or fold. With the top of your value range, like KK and AA, you should usually call or shove. With hands like QQ or AK, it depends on the opponent. If they are tight, you might fold. If they are loose, you might call. If the opponent calls your 4-bet, you go to the flop. You should have a plan for the flop, especially if you are out of position. With an overpair, you will often continue betting. With AK, you will often check or bet depending on the board.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a 4-bet value and a 4-bet bluff?

A 4-bet value is a raise with a hand that you expect to be called by worse. A 4-bet bluff is a raise with a hand that you expect to fold out better hands. You plan to fold to a 5-bet with a bluff, but you plan to call or shove with a value hand.

How much should I 4-bet for value?

A typical 4-bet size is about 2.2 to 2.5 times the 3-bet size. For example, if the 3-bet is to 9 bb, a 4-bet to about 20-22 bb is standard. This size gives your opponent poor odds to call with speculative hands, but it does not make your value range too obvious.

What hands should I 4-bet for value?

Your value range depends on the opponent and position. In general, hands like QQ+, AK are strong value 4-bets. Against a loose 3-bettor, you can include JJ and AQs. Against a tight 3-bettor, you should stick to KK and AA.

Should I always call a 5-bet after I 4-bet for value?

No. You should call a 5-bet with the top of your value range, like KK and AA. With hands like QQ or AK, you need to consider the opponent's 5-betting range. If they are very tight, you can fold. If they are loose, you can call.