Fold to 3-Bet from SB

Definition

Fold to 3-Bet from SB is a tracking statistic commonly used in online poker HUDs (Heads-Up Displays). It measures how often a player, when seated in the small blind (SB), folds to a 3-bet after they have made the initial raise. The stat is expressed as a percentage and calculated as: (Number of times SB folded to a 3-bet) / (Number of times SB faced a 3-bet after raising).

Why It Matters

This statistic helps opponents and the player themselves understand their defensive tendencies from the small blind. Since the SB is one of the worst positions post-flop, players often play a tighter range from there. However, when facing a 3-bet, the decision to fold, call, or 4-bet depends on stack sizes, opponent tendencies, and the player's own range. A high Fold to 3-Bet from SB suggests the player is folding too often, allowing opponents to exploit them by 3-betting light from the big blind (or button). Conversely, a low fold percentage may indicate the player is defending too wide, often getting into tough post-flop spots out of position.

Typical Values and Ranges

Typical Fold to 3-Bet from SB values vary by stakes and opponent types. At micro-stakes, players often fold around 60-70% of the time. At higher stakes, balanced players aim for a fold percentage around 50-55% to remain unexploitable. However, these numbers are highly dependent on the player's opening range; a player with a wide SB opening range should fold more frequently to 3-bets, while a tight opener should defend more often.

Strategic Considerations

To avoid being exploited, players should adjust their Fold to 3-Bet from SB based on:

• Opponent's 3-betting range: Against a tight 3-bettor, folding more is acceptable. Against a loose 3-bettor, defend wider with hands that play well post-flop.
• Stack depths: With deeper stacks, calling 3-bets becomes more viable because implied odds improve. With shorter stacks (e.g., <40 BB), consider 4-bet jamming or folding rather than calling.
• Position of the 3-bettor: When the 3-bet comes from the big blind, the SB's disadvantage is less severe than when the button 3-bets. Against the BB, defend more.
• Balancing: At equilibrium (GTO), the SB should 4-bet some hands and call with others. A pure fold or call strategy is exploitable.

Limitations

The stat is based on small sample sizes and can be misleading if used in isolation. For example, a player who only opens premium hands from SB will have a very low Fold to 3-Bet naturally because they rarely fold. Also, the stat does not account for the strength of the 3-bet, so it's best used in conjunction with other stats like overall 3-bet percentage, fold to 4-bet, and aggression frequency.