Introduction
What if you could bet after your opponent 3-bet? Yes, this is possible. All the experienced players might have heard of a term called 4-bet when you bet after someone has 3-betted. But if you are new and know nothing about 4-betting, this article is for you.
You will learn everything about 4-bet and some strategies for a successful 4-betting.
Objective
The article aims to explain the nitty-gritty of 4-bet.
What is a 4-bet, and How Does it Work?
A 4-bet is when you raise after a re-raise. Here’s how it works:
The first player makes the first move and raises, and the next raises and makes the 3-bet. If you re-raise on 3-bet, it’s called 4-bet.
The 4-bet usually takes place in the pre-flop round. You can 4-bet based on your card’s strength. You can also 4-bet if you want to win more chips or you want others to fold and reduce the competition.
When and Why You Should Consider a 4-bet
4-bet is when you raise after your opponent has re-raised. You need strong cards like pocket aces or kings to make a 4-bet.
You can also bluff and make a 4-bet to make weaker hands fold, but it’s risky as the stakes are high. You 4-bet with a strong hand to get money into the pot. If you play slowly, you might lose a chance to win big.
Also, if your position at the table is unfavourable, a 4-bet may help you take control of the game and win.
Steps to a Successful 4-Bet Poker Strategy
Here’s a step-by-step guide to a successful 4-bet poker strategy:
- Never 4-bet with random cards. Choose the right cards and spot to bet.
- You can play aggressively, but don’t overdo it. Make sure you have cards to justify your 4-bet or bluff smartly.
- Try to focus on strong hands—especially hands with aces. Having an ace or king reduces the chance of your opponent having the same and gives you strong draws.
- 4-Bet when the time is right. Avoid 4-betting in every game.
What hands should I 4-bet bluff with?
Keeping your opponents guessing the card you will use to 4-bet is important. If you 4-bet with stronger hands, it will be easy to force them to fold. Here is what you can do:
- You can bluff. Instead of waiting for a stronger hand, you can use your weak hands and bluff. If you have cards like Ace or King, it’s an added advantage. These cards are blockers; if you have these cards, this means your opponent does not have a strong hand.
- You can also use your strong hand to bet big to make a more substantial pot. This will force your opponent to fold.
Hands suitable for 4-betting
Here are a few hands suitable for 4-betting:
- Pocket Aces and Kings
- Hands that are blockers. For example, if you have an Ace or king, your opponent cannot make a pocket Ace or king.
- You can also use QQ, JJ, and AQ to 4-bet. This will all depend upon your opponent’s 3-bet.
Should the 4-bet range be changed depending on position?
The answer is yes. The range of 4-bet depends on these two factors:
- Whether you are in the position or out of position.
- Whether your opponent’s bet was tight or not.
How to Combat Those Who 4-Bet Against You
If someone puts a 4-bet, there can be two instances: either they have a strong hand or are bluffing. Despite this, you might still have a good chance to call their 4-bet.
You might get a good ration on your call. This means if you bet 1, you can win 3 or 4. By looking at your hand, if you think you have a 25-30% chance of winning, you can still go ahead and call their bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does 4-bet mean in poker?
4-betting is nothing but re-raising after 3-bet. When your opponent 3-bets, you again bet on it. This is called 4-bet.
What is the size of a 4-bet in poker?
The size of the 4-bet is 2.2-2.5 times the size of the previous bet.
Conclusion
I hope you understand the nitty-gritty of 4-bet and how to play one. Practice is all you need. Start by learning the basics, understanding the table position, and calling your friends for a game or two. You can join Adda52 and create a private table to play with your friend.