📖 C-Bet Fundamentals
Why and When to C-Bet
- Fold equity: Win the pot when opponent folds
- Value: Extract chips from opponents with strong hands
- Semi-bluff: A bet with draw equity that also works as a bluff
| Opponent Fold to C-bet | Recommended C-bet Freq. | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| < 30% (Calling Station) | Value only 30-40% | Zero bluff c-bets. Bet big for value |
| 30-45% | Selective 45-55% | Draws + value only |
| 45-60% (Standard) | Standard 55-65% | Balanced c-bet approach |
| 60-75% (Nit-leaning) | Wide 65-80% | Increase bluff c-bets |
| > 75% (Nit) | Very wide 75%+ | C-bet almost every time |
🎴 By Board Texture
Dry Board (e.g., K72 rainbow, A83 rainbow)
C-Bet
- K-high/A-high boards favor the raiser's range
- Small sizing (33-40% pot) is effective
- Can c-bet nearly full range IP
- Checking loses little value anyway
Check
- Caution with weak dry board c-bets OOP
- Skip bluff c-bets vs calling stations
Wet Board (e.g., J♠T♠8♥, 9♥8♥7♦)
C-Bet
- Strong made hands (sets, two pair+)
- Strong draws (nut flush draw, etc.)
- Large sizing (70-100%) to charge draws
Check
- Weak one-pair hands (bluff c-bets don't work well)
- No pair / no draw — give up and check
- OOP c-bets on draw-heavy boards are dangerous
Paired Board (e.g., KK7, 994, JJ2)
- Paired boards don't heavily favor either range
- Raiser is more likely to hold trips → opponent's call rate drops
- Suggested C-bet freq: ~50-60% (slightly lower than average)
- K-pair boards have high c-bet EV (K blocker effect)
- Low pair boards (e.g., 227) can signal weakness — checking is valid
High-Card Board (e.g., AK2, AQ5)
- Raiser has the greatest range advantage on these boards
- BB's defense range rarely hits A or K
- Recommended: High-frequency c-bet (70-80%), small sizing (33-50%)
- Watch for check-raises when opponent hits (Ax, KQ, etc.)
📏 C-Bet Sizing Guide
| Size | % Pot | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 25-40% | Dry boards, range advantage, polarized value |
| Medium | 50-66% | Standard situations, balanced approach |
| Large | 75-100% | Wet boards (protect draws), strong value |
| Overbet | 100%+ | Nuts/nut draw, polarized range |
Exploit Adjustments
- vs Fish/Calling Station: Large sizing for value. No bluffs
- vs Nit: Small bluff c-bets work. Nits fold frequently
- vs TAG: Standard sizing. Stay balanced
🔄 Turn C-Bet (Double Barrel)
Turn C-Bet Criteria
A second barrel after flop c-bet gets called. Should be more selective than the flop.
Fire Turn C-Bet
- Turn card improves your range advantage
- Draw completes (continue semi-bluff)
- "Blank" card that weakens opponent's range
- Continuing strong value hands
Check the Turn
- Card strengthens opponent's range (flush completes, etc.)
- Weak bluffs usually give up here
- Medium-strength hands should pot-control