Continuation Bet

What Is a Continuation Bet (C-Bet)?

A continuation bet, or c-bet, is a bet made on the flop by the player who was the preflop aggressor -- typically the preflop raiser. The name reflects the idea of continuing the aggressive narrative established before the flop. C-betting is one of the most frequent and important postflop actions in poker, and understanding when, how often, and at what size to c-bet is fundamental to a winning strategy.

Why C-Betting Works

C-betting is profitable for two core reasons:

• Range Advantage: The preflop raiser's range is stronger on most flop textures because it contains more overpairs, top pair combinations, and premium hands. This range advantage grants the right to bet more frequently.
• Fold equity against missed hands: Your opponent misses the flop roughly two-thirds of the time. A c-bet capitalizes on this by winning the pot immediately against all those missed hands.

Modern C-Bet Strategy: Two Approaches

Solver analysis has evolved c-bet strategy beyond the old "bet 60% pot with everything" approach. Modern GTO strategy typically uses one of two strategies depending on Board Texture:

• Small size, high frequency (25-33% pot): Used on boards where you have strong range advantage -- ace-high dry, king-high dry, paired boards. You bet most of your range cheaply, pressuring opponent's wide defending range without risking much when called.
• Large size, low frequency (66-75% pot): Used on wet, connected boards where equities run close. You bet a polarized range of strong hands and draws, checking back medium-strength hands that play well as bluff-catchers.

When Not to C-Bet

Resisting the urge to c-bet is just as important as knowing when to bet. Check the flop when:

• The board heavily favors the defender's range (e.g., 5-6-7 two-tone from the big blind)
• You have a medium-strength hand with good showdown value that benefits from pot control
• You are in a multiway pot where multiple opponents narrow the profitability of betting

Develop Your C-Bet Strategy

Postflop+ trains you against a GTO-calibrated opponent that defends at theoretically correct frequencies, exposing any c-betting leaks in your game. For a complete guide to building ranges from the flop bet through the river, read Range Construction Postflop: From C-Bet to River.