The continuation bet, or C-bet, is one of the most fundamental and powerful tools in a Texas Hold’em player’s arsenal. It involves making a bet on the flop after being the pre-flop aggressor, regardless of whether the flop improved your hand. Used correctly, C-betting can help you win many pots without a showdown, apply pressure on opponents, and maintain control of the betting tempo. This article explores when and how to use the C-bet strategically.

What Is a Continuation Bet?

A continuation bet (C-bet) is a follow-up bet made by the player who took Master Poker Malaysia the lead pre-flop, usually with a raise. The C-bet is often made on the flop to represent strength, whether or not the flop actually helped the aggressor’s hand.

Example:

You raise pre-flop with A♠K♣, and your opponent calls. The flop comes 7♦3♠Q♣. Even though you missed, you place a C-bet to pressure your opponent into folding.

Why the C-Bet Works

C-bets are effective because opponents often miss the flop. Most hands fail to connect with the board, meaning your opponent may fold to a well-timed bet.

Key Reasons C-Bets Succeed:

• You’re representing a strong pre-flop hand.

• The board texture favors your perceived range.

• Opponents are playing passively or fit-or-fold styles.

When to Use a C-Bet

Timing is crucial. Not every situation warrants a continuation bet, and blindly firing every flop is a common leak. The best opportunities for a C-bet involve:

1. Dry Flops

C-bets work well on “dry” boards with few drawing possibilities (e.g., K♠7♦2♣). These boards are less likely to have hit your opponent’s range.

2. Heads-Up Pots

Your chances of success increase dramatically when only one player is left in the hand. The fewer the opponents, the fewer potential made hands.

3. Positional Advantage

If you’re in position (especially on the button), you gain more information and can better gauge your opponent’s strength based on their actions.

When to Avoid a C-Bet

C-bets lose value in certain situations and can end up costing chips if used recklessly. Be cautious when:

1. Facing Multiple Opponents

The more players in the hand, the greater the chance someone connected with the board.

2. On Wet or Coordinated Boards

Flops like J♦T♦9♠ or 7♠8♣6♣ offer many drawing combinations. Bluffing here without equity is risky.

3. Against Sticky or Loose Opponents

Some players simply don’t fold. If your opponent calls frequently regardless of board texture, think twice before firing a bluff C-bet.

C-Bet Sizing Strategy

The amount you bet can influence how often opponents fold. A common rule is to bet one-half to two-thirds the size of the pot. This balances value with risk and keeps your range ambiguous.

Adjusting Bet Size

• Smaller bets (30–50%) on dry boards where you’re likely to get folds.

• Larger bets (60–75%) on wet boards to charge draws and represent strength.

C-Betting as a Bluff vs. for Value

You won’t always be bluffing with a C-bet. When you do connect with the flop, you should still bet to extract value—this keeps your betting pattern balanced and unpredictable.