Turn C-Bet from SB
Turn C-Bet from SB
A continuation bet made on the turn by a player in the small blind who was the preflop aggressor, often after the flop was checked through.
Definition
A Turn C-Bet from SB refers to a bet made on the turn (fourth street) by the player in the small blind (SB) who raised preflop and whose flop continuation bet did not occur—typically because the flop was checked around or the bet was delayed. This play is a specific application of the continuation bet concept applied to a later street, where the preflop aggressor from the small blind position decides to bet after the flop went check-check.
Strategic Context
The small blind's decision to c-bet the turn is influenced by positional disadvantage and range considerations. Preflop, the SB's raising range is often wider than the big blind's defending range, but postflop, the SB acts first on every street (except when facing a bet from later position). This means a turn c-bet from the SB must be carefully timed to avoid unnecessary risk. Common reasons to execute this play include:
- Representing strength: A delayed c-bet can signal that the SB's hand improved on the turn or that they were trapping with a strong hand on the flop.
- Denying equity: If the flop was checked, the SB may bet to fold out hands that have improved to draws or weak pairs on the turn.
- Setting up river bluffs: A turn bet can be followed by a river shove if the SB's story of strength holds.
When to Use
Effective turn c-bets from the SB typically occur under specific conditions:
- Favorable board texture: Boards that are dry (e.g., 2-7-9 rainbow) or where the SB's range has many strong combinations (e.g., high cards that hit the turn).
- Opponent likely to fold: Against a passive or tight big blind who checks back a wide range on the flop and will fold to a turn bet.
- Equity advantage: When the SB's hand has substantial equity (e.g., a flush draw or overcards) and a bet charges draws or forces folds.
Conversely, the SB should avoid turn c-bets on wet boards (where many draws complete) or against opponents who float flops frequently.
Example
Typical scenario: In a heads-up pot, SB raises to 3BB, BB calls. Flop comes K♠8♣3♦. Both players check. Turn is 2♥. SB now bets 60% pot. This turn c-bet from SB aims to represent a king or better and fold out BB's random high cards or pocket pairs below top pair.
Related Terms
- Continuation Bet (C-Bet): A bet on the flop by the preflop raiser.
- Float: Calling a flop bet with the intention of bluffing a later street.
- Small Blind (SB): Position to the left of the big blind, first to act postflop.
- Turn Bet: Any bet made on the turn.