Definition
A 3-bet is a re-raise of an initial raise. The term comes from betting round terminology:
- 1-bet: Posting blinds
- 2-bet: First raise (open)
- 3-bet: Re-raise of the open
3-bet = Re-raising the opener preflop
Why 3-Bet?
| Reason | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Value | Build big pots with premium hands |
| Isolation | Get heads-up vs opener |
| Initiative | Take control of the hand |
| Fold equity | Win the pot preflop |
| Deny equity | Charge speculative callers |
3-Betting for Value
Value 3-bets aim to build pots with strong hands:
| Hands | Position | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| AA, KK | Any | Get all-in or build pot |
| QQ, JJ | Most | Punish wide opens |
| AK | Any | Thin value + fold equity |
Example
Cutoff opens to 2.5BB You're on Button with KK
3-bet to 7-8BB. You want action with the second-best hand.
3-Betting as a Bluff
Bluff 3-bets aim to win pots preflop with fold equity:
| Ideal Bluff Hands | Why |
|---|---|
| A5s, A4s | Blockers + playability |
| 76s, 65s | Nut potential if called |
| K5s, Q5s | Decent blockers |
Example
UTG opens, you're on Button with A4s
3-bet as a bluff. UTG folds most of their range. If called, you have playability.
3-Bet Sizing
| Situation | Sizing |
|---|---|
| In position | 3x the open |
| Out of position | 3.5-4x the open |
| Vs limpers included | Add 1BB per limper |
| Deep stacks | Can go larger |
Example
Open: 2.5BB IP 3-bet: ~7.5BB OOP 3-bet: ~9-10BB
Polarized vs Linear 3-Bet Ranges
Polarized
Strong hands + bluffs, skip the middle:
AA, KK, QQ, AK + A5s, 65s
Use when: IP vs wide opens
Linear
All your strongest hands:
AA → KK → QQ → JJ → TT → AK → AQs...
Use when: OOP, vs tight opens, when you'll rarely get 4-bet
3-Bet Frequencies
| Position | Typical 3-Bet % |
|---|---|
| Blinds vs BTN | 10-15% |
| BTN vs CO | 8-12% |
| CO vs MP | 5-8% |
| Any vs UTG | 4-6% |
Facing a 3-Bet
When you get 3-bet:
| Hand Strength | Action |
|---|---|
| Premium (AA, KK) | 4-bet or call |
| Strong (QQ, AK) | Call or 4-bet |
| Medium (TT, AQs) | Call or fold |
| Speculative | Usually fold |
Key Takeaway
3-betting is essential for building pots with strong hands and applying pressure with bluffs. Balance value and bluffs, size appropriately for position, and 3-bet more vs wide opens.