What Is C Bet Poker? Understanding the Continuation Bet
Picture this: you raised pre-flop with a decent hand—maybe pocket Jacks or Ace-King suited—and now the flop has landed. Even if that flop didn’t exactly deliver your dream scenario, you still want to keep your momentum going, right? Enter the “C bet” (continuation bet), one of the most common yet powerful moves in a poker player’s toolkit.
So, What’s a C Bet Exactly?
A continuation bet is basically you saying, “Hey, I was aggressive before the flop, and guess what? I’m still aggressive now.” More technically, it’s when the player who took charge in the previous betting round (usually by raising before the flop) follows up with another bet on the flop—whether or not the flop helped their hand. It’s about telling a consistent story: “I have something good,” even if you’re secretly praying you’ll improve on the turn.
Why Are C Bets Such a Big Deal?
- Keeping the Pressure On: By placing that C bet, you’re forcing your opponents to think twice. If they had marginal hands, they might just fold right there.
- Building the Pot When Strong: If the flop actually plays nice and improves your hand, the C bet helps you start building a bigger pot early. Ka-ching!
- Getting Information: How your opponents react can give you clues. Do they fold instantly? Call suspiciously? Raise aggressively? It’s like reading the table’s mind.
- Bluffing Without Showing Weakness: Let’s be honest, sometimes you totally whiffed the flop. A C bet can still win you the pot if the other players believe your story and bail.
When Should You C Bet?
You don’t want to fire off continuation bets blindly, though. Consider these scenarios:
- Favorable Flops: If the flop looks like it missed most people (like a bunch of low, unconnected cards) and you were the pre-flop aggressor, a C bet can often steal the pot right away.
- Against Passive Opponents: If your opponents tend to just call or fold without much fuss, a C bet can push them around easily.
- To Narrow the Field: If you’re up against multiple players, a C bet can sometimes help kick out the weak hands, leaving fewer opponents to deal with.
Common Pitfalls to Dodge:
- Overdoing It: If you C bet every single flop, savvy players will catch on. They’ll know you’re full of hot air half the time and start calling you down. Mix it up.
- Ignoring the Board Texture: If the flop is super coordinated—like three cards that connect well or flush possibilities galore—your opponents might be more likely to have something. C betting into that kind of flop can be costly.
- Not Adapting: If a player keeps calling your C bets, they might not be as easily intimidated. Be ready to shift gears—maybe slow down or try a different approach next time.
A Quick Example:
Let’s say you’ve got A♣ K♦ and you raised before the flop. The flop comes 9♠ 3♦ 2♥—not exactly fireworks for you. But it also doesn’t scream that anyone else is strong. You drop a C bet, putting pressure on your opponents. The idea? If they have nothing, they fold now, and you grab the pot. If they call, okay, maybe you’ll need a plan B, but at least you gleaned some info from their call.
Some Nerdy Numbers:
Studies and experienced pros often suggest that a well-executed C bet can succeed a lot of the time—some say around 60-70% when conditions are right. Of course, it’s not guaranteed. Poker is never that simple. But when you pick your spots correctly, a C bet can be a sweet money-maker.
Wrapping It Up:
In essence, a C bet is a way of continuing the story you started pre-flop. It keeps the pressure on, helps you figure out where you stand, and can win pots outright even when you’re not holding the goods. Just remember: like any good strategy, it’s about timing, board awareness, and reading your opponents. Get comfortable with the C bet, and you’ll have another weapon in your arsenal, helping you grow not just your chip stack but your confidence at the table.
