C-Bet from CO

Definition

A C-Bet from CO (continuation bet from the cutoff) refers to a flop bet made by the player who raised preflop while seated in the cutoff position (CO). This is one of the most common betting patterns in no-limit hold'em, as the cutoff is a late position with significant preflop raising frequency.

Strategic Considerations

Position Advantage

The CO is the second-best position at the table (after the button). When a CO raiser makes a continuation bet, they retain position on all players except the button. This positional advantage allows the CO to control the pot size and make better decisions on later streets. A C-Bet from CO is generally more effective when the button folds preflop, as the raiser will be in position against the blinds.

Range and Board Texture

The CO's preflop raising range is typically wider than early positions but tighter than the button. Common CO opening ranges include about 20-30% of hands, consisting of strong hands, suited connectors, and some suited aces. On the flop, the CO should consider:

• Dry boards (e.g., K-7-2 rainbow): High C-Bet frequency, often with 100% of the range, as the raiser has many unpaired hands that can represent the top pair.
• Wet boards (e.g., 9-8-5 two-tone): Lower C-Bet frequency, especially if the CO's range includes many suited connectors that missed. On such boards, the CO may check back with marginal hands to avoid being check-raised.
• High card boards (e.g., A-J-4): The CO can C-Bet frequently with any ace or strong king, but should be cautious with weaker hands as opponents are likely to call with ace-rag.

Number of Opponents

• Heads-up: When only the big blind calls, the CO should C-Bet with a high frequency (around 70-80%) because the big blind's range is wide and weak.
• Multi-way: If the button or small blind also calls, the CO's C-Bet frequency should drop significantly (to about 40-50%) because opponents have stronger ranges and the CO will be out of position against the button.

Example

Hero (CO) opens to 3bb with A♠K♣, only the big blind calls. Flop comes J♦7♥2♠. Hero makes a ⅔-pot C-Bet. This is a standard C-Bet: hero has two overcards and backdoor draws, and the flop is dry.

Common Mistakes

• C-Betting too frequently multi-way: This bloats the pot with weak hands against multiple opponents who may have connected with the board.
• Failing to adjust to board texture: Continuously betting on draw-heavy boards with no draws or strong hands can be costly.
• Neglecting stack sizes: Shorter effective stacks require smaller C-Bet sizes or even checks with marginal hands to avoid commitment.

Related Terms

• Continuation Bet (C-Bet)
• Cutoff (CO)
• Position in Poker
• Flop Strategy