River 4-Bet

Overview

In poker, the term "4-bet" is most commonly used preflop to describe the second re-raise after a raise and a 3-bet. However, the concept can extend to any betting round, including the river. A river 4-bet is an aggressive action that represents the fourth raise on the river street. This sequence typically unfolds as: player A bets, player B raises, player A re-raises (3-bet), and then player B raises again (4-bet).

Usage and Context

River 4-bets are rare in most cash games and tournaments due to the limited number of raises allowed (usually three per street in no-limit games, though theoretically unlimited). In practice, a river 4-bet signals an extremely polarized range: either the nuts or a well-timed bluff. Because the pot is large by the river, a 4-bet often involves a significant portion of remaining stacks, making it a high-stakes move.

Strategic Considerations

• Hand Strength: A river 4-bet is almost always a value bet with a very strong hand, such as the nuts or near-nuts. However, experienced players can use it as a bluff if they perceive weakness or a capped range in the opponent.
• Stack Depth: For a 4-bet to occur on the river, both players must have sufficient chips behind. Short stacks often preclude multiple raises.
• Game Type: In pot-limit Omaha (PLO) or no-limit hold'em with deep stacks, river 4-bets are more plausible than in shallow-stacked situations.

Related Terms

• River 3-Bet: A re-raise on the river after an initial bet and a raise.
• Cap: Some games limit raises per street to three (often a cap), meaning a 4-bet is not allowed.
• Polarized Range: A range containing only very strong hands and bluffs, typical of river 4-bets.

Example

In a no-limit hold'em cash game, the board is [K♠ Q♠ J♣ T♠ 2♦]. Player A bets $100 with a flush. Player B raises to $300 with a straight flush. Player A re-raises to $900 (3-bet). Player B moves all-in for $2,500, which constitutes a river 4-bet. Player A calls and loses to the straight flush.