C Bet as a technique in poker
Contents: Profitability, Players, Poker Tables
In poker, a continuation bet (Contbet) refers to the first bet made on the flop by the player who was the last to raise preflop. The player may not even have a made hand — this technique has been widely studied by poker professionals.
Poker pro Dan Harrington shared his thoughts on when a continuation bet is used:
- When the player senses a strong opponent at the table and tries to push them out of the pot;
- When the player is confident in their hand and wants to increase potential winnings;
- When the situation calls for forcing value from the table’s opponents.
Perhaps the main goal of this move is to increase equity. In most hands played at PokerMatch, that’s exactly the case. This move becomes most effective when your equity exceeds the amount required to bet. Often, a continuation bet is used as a bluff — part of an advanced strategy. This deceptive move confuses opponents and makes your playing style unpredictable. It becomes nearly impossible to assign you a range. Sometimes it’s worth sacrificing a few chips for the long-term gain — stats show this investment pays off. Since it’s considered aggressive play post-flop, it should only be used when your opponent warrants it.
Advantages of the Continuation Bet
A continuation bet can improve your table image. It signals serious intent and confidence — it suggests that you've either made a hand or are holding a promising draw. Making a contbet without hitting the flop is a poor bluff. But a well-timed one can force an opponent to fold.
It’s smart to mix things up — check when you hit the flop, and continuation bet when holding just a blind hand. This kind of manipulation can confuse your opponents. Before using this strategy, consider the table dynamics discussed below.
Number of Players in the Hand
When you hit a strong hand on the flop — flush, full house, quads, etc. — play carefully to avoid scaring others off. You want to extract maximum value. Remember: good flop cards also increase your opponents’ chances. Slow playing can be dangerous. A continuation bet helps balance your betting range — especially when used as a bluff — but only if you’re playing against skilled opponents. This tactic doesn’t work at micro stakes, where players usually bet on their own terms. The only case where it fits is when a check is met with a raise from an opponent.
Continuation bets are most effective in heads-up situations. The more players see the flop, the less effective the tactic becomes. Overusing it also reduces its power. In heads-up, you’ll win the flop about 70% of the time. That drops to 50% with two opponents and 33% with three. In those cases, playing for a multiway pot may be better.
Use Table Information to Your Advantage
To be a successful poker player, you must rely on every bit of information that can help protect your bankroll. Pay close attention to other players’ actions. Aggressive moves may help reveal a competitor’s strategy on the flop. But don’t forget about “floaters” — players who use floating as a tactic.
As long as others think you’re a passive or unknown player, you remain unpredictable. Bluffing only works if your image supports it — otherwise, it’s a bad idea. Keep in mind that most players at lower stakes don’t bother analyzing opponents. Even if they spot a tactic, it’s unlikely they’ll adapt to it effectively.
Many of your opponents will be harmless if they miss the flop — but don’t rule out the quietest player turning into a tight-aggressive force. The key takeaway: your continuation bets should be based on flop stats. Track how often opponents check, raise, or fold to the flop. When you spot a strong rival, do everything possible to push them out of the pot.
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