3-Bet / 4-Bet Basics

Value vs bluff ratios and adjustments for in-position vs out-of-position.

A 3-bet is a re-raise preflop. The original raise is the 2-bet; your re-raise is the 3-bet. A 4-bet is a re-raise of that 3-bet. These spots are high-variance and understanding them is crucial.

3-bet range construction

Value hands (always 3-bet)

AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AKs/o — hands you want to build a pot with

Bluff hands (polarise your range)

Suited Ax hands (A5s–A2s), suited connectors — high equity if called, folds out AQ/KQ type hands

Hands to flat call (don't 3-bet)

TT–77, AQo, KQs — strong but prefer to see a flop in position

IP vs OOP sizing: In position, 3-bet to 3x the open. Out of position, 3-bet to 4x. The larger OOP size compensates for the positional disadvantage you'll face postflop.

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