SB C-Bet

Overview

The SB C-Bet (Small Blind Continuation Bet) refers to a bet made by the player in the small blind position on the flop, following a preflop raise from that same player. The term combines "SB" (small blind) with "C-Bet" (continuation bet), a standard poker strategy where the preflop aggressor bets again on the flop regardless of whether their hand improved.

Purpose and Strategy

In poker, the small blind is considered a disadvantageous position because the player acts first on all postflop streets (except preflop if no one else raised). However, when the small blind raises preflop, they become the aggressor, and a C-Bet on the flop serves multiple strategic purposes:

• Representing Strength: The C-Bet indicates that the preflop raise was not a bluff and that the raiser still has a strong hand. This can force opponents to fold marginal holdings.
• Denying Equity: Even if the SB did not hit the flop, a C-Bet can make opponents fold hands that might improve on later streets (e.g., gutshot draws, overcards).
• Building the Pot: When the SB has a strong hand, the C-Bet starts building value.

Key Considerations

• Positional Disadvantage: Since the SB acts first on the flop (and subsequent streets), a failed C-Bet often leaves them in a difficult spot. If called, the SB must navigate the turn out of position. Therefore, SB C-Bets are typically more selective than C-Bets from the button or cut-off.
• Flop Texture: Favored textures for SB C-Bets are dry, low-card flops (e.g., K-7-2 rainbow) where opponents are less likely to have connected. On wet, coordinated flops (e.g., 8-7-6 two-tone), the SB's range advantage diminishes, and checking may be better.
• Range Considerations: The SB's preflop raising range should be tighter than that of later positions, as they are out of position. A tighter range means SB's flop C-Bet frequency can be higher (60-70% in some solver strategies) because their range contains stronger hands overall.
• Sizing: SB C-Bets are often smaller (33-40% pot) to reduce risk and encourage folds from weak hands. Larger bets (66-75% pot) are used on very dry boards or when polarizing.

Common Situations

• Heads-up vs. Big Blind: After the SB raises and the BB calls, the SB C-Bet is standard on many flops. The BB's calling range is wide, so a C-Bet exploits the fact that the BB misses the flop often.
• Multi-way Pots: When the SB raises and multiple opponents call, C-Betting becomes less advisable. The SB's equity drops, and the chance someone connected increases. Solvers often recommend checking most of the range in this scenario.
• Check-Raise Threats: Opponents may float or check-raise SB C-Bets, exploiting the SB's positional weakness. SB must balance their C-Betting range to avoid being exploited.

Example

In a $1/$2 No-Limit Hold'em cash game, the SB raises to $6 with A♠K♣. The BB calls. The flop comes 9♥5♦2♠. The SB bets $4 (≈40% pot). This is an SB C-Bet. The SB's hand missed the flop, but the bet aims to win immediately or set up a turn continuation.

Related Terms

• Continuation Bet
• Out of Position (OOP)
• C-Bet Frequency