The continuation bet (c-bet) is your postflop initiative tool. Knowing when to bet and when to check after raising preflop is essential for profitable poker.
The Logic of the C-Bet
You had the initiative preflop. Statistically, the flop misses your opponents most of the time. A c-bet exploits this by representing a strong hand and taking down the pot.
C-Bet Sizing
Dry boards (K♠7♦2♣ rainbow): 25 to 33% of the pot is enough. Pressure is effective with minimal risk.
Coordinated boards (J♠10♦9♣ two-tone): 50 to 67% of the pot to protect your strong hands and charge draws.
Very wet boards: check more often (the opponent’s range has connected with too many hands).
When Checking Is Better
Automatic c-betting is a mistake. Check strategically when:
The board heavily favors the opponent’s range
You have a strong hand you want to slowplay
You want to balance your checking range
You’re in a multiway pot (3+ players)
C-Bet in Multiway Pots
With 3 or more players, c-betting becomes much less effective. The probability that at least one opponent connected with the board increases dramatically.
Building a Balanced Checking Range
Your checking range shouldn’t only contain weak hands — that would make you exploitable. Include some strong hands in your checks to protect your range.
