Turn C-Bet from BTN

Overview

A turn c-bet from BTN is a common continuation betting pattern where the preflop raiser, seated on the button, follows up a flop c-bet with a second bet on the turn. This play leverages the BTN's positional advantage and the increased pot size to apply pressure on opponents.

Strategic Considerations

When to Fire a Turn C-Bet from BTN

• Protection against draws: If the turn card completes a potential draw (e.g., flush or straight), a c-bet can charge opponents who are drawing. However, if the turn card is very scary, a check might be better to avoid a check-raise.
• Value from weak pairs: When the flop c-bet is called by a player with a marginal hand (e.g., mid-pair), a turn c-bet can extract value if the turn card does not improve the opponent's range significantly.
• Bluffing scare cards: Cards that appear to hit the BTN's perceived range (e.g., an ace on the turn when the BTN raised preflop) can be used as bluff opportunities. The BTN's range often contains many aces, so a turn bet on an ace can represent that card.

When to Check Instead

• Board texture changes dramatically: If the turn card completes a straight or flush that heavily favors the caller's range (e.g., a low-connected board with a flush draw), checking back can control pot size and avoid a difficult situation.
• Opponent is aggressive and likely to check-raise: Against opponents who frequently check-raise with draws or made hands, checking behind can induce bluffs on the river or allow a cheap showdown.
• Multiway pots: With multiple opponents, a turn c-bet from BTN becomes riskier because the chance of someone having a strong hand increases. Generally, fewer turn c-bets are advisable in multiway pots.

Bet Sizing

Turn c-bets from the BTN typically range from 55% to 80% of the pot. Larger sizes are used when the board is wet (draw-heavy) to deny equity, while smaller sizes can be used on dry boards or when bluffing with marginal hands.

Example

An example of a typical turn c-bet from BTN situation:

• Preflop: 6-max cash game, BTN opens to 3 BB, SB folds, BB calls.
• Flop: K♠ 7♦ 3♣. BTN bets 4 BB (66% pot), BB calls.
• Turn: 8♦. BB checks. BTN bets 10 BB (70% pot) as a turn c-bet. This bet targets BB's Kx, 7x, or draws, building a pot for value or setting up a river bluff.

Related Terms

• C-Bet (Continuation Bet): A bet made by the preflop aggressor on the flop.
• Double Barrel: A c-bet on the flop followed by a bet on the turn.
• Button (BTN): The most advantageous position at the table, acting last postflop.
• Float: Calling a flop c-bet with the intention of betting/raising on later streets.
• Turn: The fourth community card dealt in Texas Hold'em.