A continuation bet (c-bet) is a bet made by the preflop raiser on the flop, continuing the aggression from before the flop—whether or not the flop helped your hand.
C-Bet = Preflop aggressor bets the flop
| Factor |
Benefit |
| Initiative |
You showed strength preflop |
| Range advantage |
PFR has stronger range |
| Fold equity |
Most hands miss the flop |
| Hard to defend |
Opponent doesn't know if you hit |
| Board Type |
C-Bet More |
C-Bet Less |
| Dry (K♦ 7♠ 2♣) |
✅ |
|
| Wet (J♥ T♥ 9♣) |
|
✅ |
| Ace-high |
✅ |
|
| Low connected |
|
✅ |
2. Number of Opponents
| Opponents |
C-Bet Frequency |
| Heads-up |
High |
| 3-way |
Medium |
| 4+ way |
Low |
| Situation |
C-Bet Frequency |
| In position |
Higher |
| Out of position |
Lower |
| Hand Type |
C-Bet? |
| Strong made hand |
Yes (value) |
| Draw |
Often (semi-bluff) |
| Air |
Sometimes (bluff) |
| Marginal |
Consider checking |
| C-Bet When |
Check When |
| Range advantage |
Opponent's range connects |
| Good fold equity |
Calling station opponent |
| Can barrel turns |
No plan for later streets |
| Position |
Out of position with showdown value |
Preflop: You raise BTN with A♠ J♥, BB calls.
Flop: K♦ 7♠ 3♣
Analysis:
- Dry board (good for c-betting)
- You have range advantage (more Kx hands)
- Fold equity against missed hands
Action: C-bet ~1/3 pot
| Situation |
Why |
| Multi-way wet board |
Too many hands connect |
| Board hits their range |
BB on J-T-9 |
| Calling station opponent |
No fold equity |
| You have showdown value |
Check back, control pot |
C-betting leverages your preflop aggression into fold equity on the flop. Bet dry boards and range-advantage spots. Check when the board hits your opponent's range or when you have marginal showdown value.