Fold to C-Bet from SB

Overview

Fold to C-Bet from SB (often abbreviated as Fold to C-Bet SB or FTC SB) is a common Heads-Up Display (HUD) statistic used in online poker to analyze a player's tendencies when defending the small blind. It specifically tracks how often a player folds to a continuation bet (c-bet) on the flop, after they have called a raise from any position preflop while sitting in the small blind.

How It Is Calculated

The stat is expressed as a percentage: (Number of times SB folds to a c-bet on the flop) / (Number of opportunities where SB faced a c-bet on the flop after calling a preflop [raise](/term/raise)). It only includes hands where the small blind called a raise preflop (not 3-bet or fold) and then faced a flop c-bet. The c-bet can come from the preflop raiser, which is typically the player in late position or the big blind if they raised.

Typical Ranges and Interpretation

• Low (0-40%): The player rarely folds to c-bets from the SB, indicating a tendency to either float or raise the c-bet. This can be exploited by value-betting more aggressively and reducing bluff c-bets.
• Moderate (40-60%): A balanced range; many regulars fall here. They fold some of their weaker holdings but defend many continuation-bet-sized hands.
• High (60%+): The player folds too often, making them an excellent target for frequent c-bets (bluffs) from in-position aggressors. Exploitatively, you can c-bet almost any two cards when they are in the SB.

Sample size note: This stat becomes reliable after at least 50-100 opportunities (i.e., hands where the SB called preflop and faced a flop c-bet).

Strategic Importance

The SB is the most disadvantaged position postflop due to acting first on all streets. Therefore, a player's fold-to-c-bet frequency reveals how much they are willing to defend their calling range out of position. High fold rates suggest the player is over-folding, allowing in-position players to profitably c-bet wide. Conversely, low fold rates indicate the player is willing to play many flops out of position, which can be a leak if they are not selective with their starting hands.

Common adjustments:

• Against a high-FTC player: Increase your c-bet frequency (including bluffs) when you are the preflop raiser and the SB calls.
• Against a low-FTC player: Reduce bluff c-bets and focus on value-betting stronger hands, as they will often call or raise.

Limitations

• The stat only applies to flop c-bets; it does not capture turn or river actions.
• It is highly dependent on the opponent's preflop calling range. A player who calls many speculative hands (e.g., suited connectors) will have a higher fold-to-c-bet because those hands often miss the flop.
• Context matters: board texture, stack sizes, and c-bet sizing can influence the decision. The stat is an average and may not reflect adjustments for specific situations.

Related Terms

• C-Bet (Continuation Bet): A bet made by the preflop raiser on the flop.
• Flop C-Bet Frequency: How often a player makes a continuation bet.
• Fold to Flop C-Bet: A broader stat for any position (not specifically SB).
• SB vs BTN Call/Raise: Other SB defense stats.
• WTSD (Went to Showdown): Helps interpret if the player is passive or aggressive postflop.

In summary, Fold to C-Bet from SB is a key exploitative tool for preflop raisers to gauge how much the SB respects aggression. Understanding this stat can lead to more profitable c-betting strategies when the small blind is involved.