What is 3 Bet in Poker?

Introduction

A three-bet is when a player makes another raise after the first bet and then the second one - this is called ‘3-bet’ in poker lingo. This guide covers all you need to know about 3 betting in Poker.

Objective

The main aim of a 3bet in poker is to establish superiority, take over betting, and get as much as possible from strong hands.

When to make a 3 bet?

Pot Building

One reason for three-betting is to blow up the pot size if you have a strong hand. By making a big re-raise, the three-better wants opponents to call or re-raise more often so as to increase money at stake. This gives them an opportunity to maximize their potential winnings whenever they believe they are ahead of all other players.

Define Hand Strength

Three betting indicates having a very good hand. It can make opponents fold their weaker hands, shrinking the field and increasing your chances of taking down the pot without any cards being shown.

Isolate Opponents

Another objective of three-betting is to isolate opponents, particularly those in late position or the blinds, with weaker holdings. By making a significant re-raise, the three-bettor discourages other players from entering the pot, effectively narrowing the field to fewer opponents. This increases the chances of winning the pot uncontested or in a heads-up situation, where the three-bettor's strong hand has a higher likelihood of holding up.

Apply Pressure

Three-betting is a form of aggression that puts pressure on opponents and forces them to make tough decisions. Players who consistently three-bet assertively create a dynamic where opponents are less likely to play back at them without strong hands. This allows the three-bettor to control the pace of the game and exploit opponents who fold too frequently or who make mistakes under pressure.

Balance and Deception

Employing a balanced three-betting range is essential for keeping opponents guessing about the strength of one's hand. While three-bets with premium hands like pocket aces or kings are common for value, mixing in occasional three-bets with strong speculative hands or even bluffs adds an element of deception to one's game. This makes it harder for opponents to accurately assess the strength of the three-bettor's hand based solely on their betting patterns.

Example of 3 Bet Poker

You are playing in a 1/2 no-limit Hold'em game at your local casino. You are dealt Ace of Spades (A♠) and King of Spades (K♠) in the cutoff position, which is one seat to the right of the dealer button. The player under the gun (UTG) opens the betting with a raise to 6. The player on the button folds, and it is now your turn to act.

Given your strong hand and position, you decide to 3-bet. You raise to 20. This is your 3-bet, as it is the third bet made in this betting round (the initial raise from UTG is the 1st bet, and your raise is the 2nd bet).

The blinds fold, and the action returns to the UTG player, who now has to decide whether to call, fold, or reraise (4-bet). Your 3-bet puts pressure on the UTG player, especially if they are opening with a wide range of hands. If they fold, you win the pot right there. If they call, you will play the hand out of position against them. If they decide to 4-bet, you will need to reassess the situation and decide whether to continue in the hand based on their aggression and the strength of your hand.

In this example, your objective with the 3-bet is likely a combination of value and isolation. You want to build the pot with your strong hand, but you also want to narrow the field and play against the initial raiser heads-up, where you have a positional advantage.

Types of 3 Bet Ranges

In poker, the range of hands you choose to 3-bet with can impact your overall strategy and success at the tables. The types of 3-bet ranges can vary depending on factors such as the player's style, position, and opponent strengths and weaknesses. Here are some common types of 3-bet ranges -

Value 3-bet range

This range consists of strong hands that you believe are ahead of your opponent's opening range. Value 3-betting hands include premium holdings such as big pocket pairs (for example - AA, KK, QQ), strong broadway hands (AK, AQ), and sometimes strong suited connectors (89s, TJ suited) depending on the situation. The goal of value 3-betting is to build the pot and extract maximum value from your opponent's weaker holdings.

Bluff 3-bet range

This range consists of hands that are not strong enough to call a raise but have good blockers or potential to improve. Bluff 3-betting hands often include suited connectors and suited gappers (for example - 67s, 89s), suited aces with low kickers (A2s, A3s), and some offsuit broadway hands (KQo, QJo). The purpose of bluff 3-betting is to put pressure on your opponents and win the pot preflop or postflop through aggression.

Polarized 3-bet range

A polarized 3-bet range consists of a combination of very strong hands (value hands) and very weak hands (bluff hands), with few medium-strength hands in between. For example, you might 3-bet AA, KK, QQ for value and then bluff with hands like suited connectors or suited aces. Polarized 3-betting allows you to put maximum pressure on your opponents by forcing them to make tough decisions.

Merged 3-bet range

A merged 3-bet range includes a mix of value hands, bluff hands, and some medium-strength hands. This range is less polarized than the polarized range and aims to balance aggression while still maintaining some protection against being exploited by observant opponents. Merged 3-betting hands might include strong broadway hands, pocket pairs, and suited connectors.

Exploitative 3-bet range

An exploitative 3-bet range is tailored specifically to exploit weaknesses in your opponents' tendencies. For example, if you notice that a particular opponent folds too often to 3-bets, you might widen your 3-bet range to include more bluff hands. Conversely, if an opponent calls too often but doesn't raise much, you might tighten your 3-bet range to include more value hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does bets of 3 mean?

A: In poker, ‘bets of 3’ generally represent a situation where three separate bets were made consecutively in one round of betting. Normally, this is initiated by an initial bet (the open) followed by a raise and then another raise which represents the third bet in the sequence. The last bet is usually called a three-bet.

Q: What is a 3-bet for value?

A: A 3-bet for value is a strategic move in poker where someone who has played agrees to make a strong re-raise (the third bet) hoping to get more money from his competitors. Unlike bluffing where he wishes his opponents will fold their cards and give up the pot, making such moves is aimed at building the pot with an objective of eventually winning the showdown.

Q: What is a good 3-bet percentage?

A: In poker, ‘3-bet percentage’ means how often one three bets compared to how many possible times they have had this chance. However, what constitutes a good 3-bet percentage can vary depending on several factors including but not limited to style of player, game format as well as table dynamics. Generally speaking, full-ring cash gamers should be content with having solid players running between five and ten percent of overall hands being raised before the flop.

Q: What is a 4-bet in poker?

A: A fourth bet is made in a betting sequence and this is referred to as the 4-bet. The three-bet comes after a player has re-raised an initial raise. It can be used against the three bets as a counter-strategy either with a very strong hand of value or as a way of bluffing on the opponents. Sizing and timing are key for effective four bets just like in three-bets.

Conclusion

Your own personal playing style, your position at the table, the tendencies of your opponent and whether you are playing cash games or tournaments all play major roles in determining what kind of 3bet Poker range to use. Poker success lies in adjusting your 3bet range to take advantage of your opponents’ weaknesses while guarding yourself against exploitation.