Lesson 14 [Beginner] 3-bet Strategy

A 3-bet is re-raising an opponent's raise preflop. At the beginner stage, it's crucial to clearly understand when, why, and with which hands to 3-bet.

Basic Strategy

3-bets are divided into value and bluff purposes.

Basic premise: Cash game 100BB stack, 6-max, opponent is an average player

3-bet hands consist of two types:

• Value 3-bet: QQ+, AKs, AKo (to build a larger pot with premium hands)
• Bluff 3-bet: A5s~A2s, K9s~K7s, some suited connectors (to make opponents fold or realize equity on the flop)

Basic sizing is 3 times the original raise. Adjust to 2.5~3 times when in position (IP) and 3~3.5 times when out of position (OOP).

Reasons for this:

• Value 3-bets maximize profit by putting more money into the pot with premium hands
• Bluff 3-bets make opponents fold marginal hands to win the pot immediately, or if called, provide a chance to make a draw or a pair on the flop
• Mixing these two makes it difficult for opponents to read your 3-bet range

Adjusting to Opponent Styles

1. When the opponent folds too often to 3-bets

Increase bluff 3-bet frequency (extend to weaker suited hands like K5s, Q9s, J8s). If the opponent folds 60% or more, it's likely to be profitable with almost any hand.

2. When the opponent calls 3-bets too often

Reduce bluff 3-bets and increase the proportion of value 3-bets (add JJ, TT, AQs). If the calling frequency is high, hand strength becomes more important as the probability of going to showdown is higher.

3. When the opponent opens wide from late position

Increase 3-bet frequency from the blinds (JJ+, AQ+, suited connectors for bluffing). If the opponent's open range is wide, their defending range against 3-bets is also likely to be weaker.

4. When the opponent rarely 4-bets

Extend your value 3-bet range to JJ, TT. If there's no 4-bet risk, even middle pairs can get value from a 3-bet.

Thought Process

When an opponent raises, try to think in this order:

1. Opponent's position and open range? UTG is tight, BTN is wide
2. Does my hand belong in my 3-bet range? Premium (value) or weak suited (bluff) or fold
3. What is my position? If IP, 3-bet sizing a bit smaller; if OOP, larger
4. How does the opponent react to 3-bets? Folds often or calls often or 4-bets
5. 3-bet size? Approximately 3 times the original raise

Example Hand Analysis

Example 1: Value 3-bet

Game: Cash game 1/2, Stack 200BB
Position: Big Blind
Preflop: Cutoff raises $6, BTN folds, SB folds, Hero is dealt QQ
Pot: $9 (Blinds $3 + Raise $6)

Thought Process:

1. “Who has a structural advantage in this spot?”
→ QQ is a premium hand and dominates most of the Cutoff's open range

2. “What is my hand's role within my range?”
→ A clear value 3-bet hand. Must maximize profit by building a larger pot

3. “Does the opponent have enough hands to fold / Do they call often?”
→ Profitable in the long run whether they call or fold. It's advantageous to put more money into the pot with a 3-bet.

Conclusion: 3-bet $18 (3 times the original raise of $6)

Comment: If you just call, it can be difficult to play when an A or K comes on the flop. Take the initiative with a 3-bet and narrow your opponent's range.

Example 2: Bluff 3-bet

Game: Cash game 1/2, Stack 200BB
Position: Big Blind
Preflop: BTN raises $6, SB folds, Hero is dealt A4s
Pot: $9

Thought Process:

1. “Who has a structural advantage in this spot?”
→ BTN's open range is wide (40%+). They are likely to have many marginal hands.

2. “What is my hand's role within my range?”
→ A4s is not for value, but good for bluffing. Even if called, there's a chance to make a flush draw or a pair on the flop.

3. “Does the opponent have enough hands to fold / Do they call often?”
→ Since the BTN opens wide, they are likely to fold 40-50% to a 3-bet. Win the $9 pot immediately, or it's playable even if called.

Conclusion: 3-bet $20 (3.5 times since OOP)

Comment: If you just call, you might have to give up the pot when you don't make anything on the flop. Create the opportunity to make your opponent fold first with a 3-bet.

Example 3: Flop Response After 3-bet Call

Game: Cash game 1/2, Stack 200BB
Position: Cutoff
Preflop: UTG raises $6, Hero 3-bets $18 with KK, UTG calls
Flop: A♠ 7♥ 2♣
Pot: $39

Thought Process:

1. “Who has a structural advantage on this board?”
→ UTG's 3-bet calling range contains many Ax hands like AK, AQs. It's possible you've lost your range advantage since an Ace came out.

2. “What is my hand's role within my range?”
→ KK is still strong, but on an Ace-high board, it's closer to a bluff catcher.

3. “Does the opponent have enough hands to fold / Do they call often?”
→ If the opponent called the 3-bet with JJ, TT, 99, they are likely to fold on this board. A small continuation bet is possible.

Conclusion: Bet $13 (1/3 of the pot)

Comment: You might need to be careful if your opponent check-raises or shows big action. Control the pot while gathering information with a small size.

Key Patterns Summary

Pattern 1: Value 3-bet = QQ+, AK (build a large pot with premium hands)

Pattern 2: Bluff 3-bet = A5s~A2s, K9s~K7s, some suited connectors (induce folds + flop equity)

Pattern 3: 3-bet Sizing = 3 times the original raise (IP 2.5~3x, OOP 3~3.5x)

Pattern 4: Opponent folds often → Increase bluff 3-bet frequency

Pattern 5: Opponent calls often → Increase value 3-bet proportion (add JJ, TT, AQs)

Pattern 6: Increase 3-bet frequency from the blinds against late position opens

Pattern 7: Mix value and bluffs to make it difficult for opponents to read your range

Quiz

Question 1
Cutoff raises $6, you are dealt QQ in the Big Blind. What is the correct action?

A) Call $6
B) 3-bet $12
C) 3-bet $18
D) Fold

Question 2
BTN raises $6, you are dealt A3s in the Big Blind. What is the correct action?

A) Fold
B) Call $6
C) 3-bet $18
D) 3-bet $24

Question 3
Which is NOT a primary purpose of a 3-bet?

A) To build a larger pot with premium hands
B) To make the opponent fold marginal hands
C) To see the flop for free
D) To balance your range

Question 4
If an opponent folds 70% to 3-bets, how should you adjust?

A) Only make value 3-bets
B) Increase bluff 3-bet frequency
C) Don't 3-bet at all
D) Reduce 3-bet size

Question 5
What is the standard 3-bet size for a $6 raise when in position?

A) $12
B) $15
C) $18
D) $24

Answers and Explanations

Question 1
Correct Answer: C) 3-bet $18

Explanation: QQ is a premium hand and a clear value 3-bet. 3-betting $18, which is 3 times the original raise of $6, is standard. If you just call, it can be difficult to play when overcards (A, K) appear on the flop.

Question 2
Correct Answer: C) 3-bet $18 or D) 3-bet $24

Explanation: A3s belongs to the bluff 3-bet range. Since the BTN's open range is wide, you can induce a fold with a 3-bet, or if called, you have a chance to make a flush draw on the flop. Since you are OOP, $18~$24 (3~4x) is appropriate.

Question 3
Correct Answer: C) To see the flop for free

Explanation: A 3-bet is an action that invests a significant amount of money, so it's not for the purpose of “seeing something for free.” Value, bluff, and balance are the primary objectives.

Question 4
Correct Answer: B) Increase bluff 3-bet frequency

Explanation: If an opponent folds 70%, the immediate profitability of a 3-bet is very high. You can win more pots by expanding your bluff 3-bet range.

Question 5
Correct Answer: B) $15 or C) $18

Explanation: When in position, there is a positional advantage, so 2.5~3 times is appropriate. Both $15 (2.5x) or $18 (3x) are within the standard range.