What is a Turn C-bet in Poker?

Introduction

The continuation bet (c-bet) is one of the most fundamental strategies in Poker. While most players are familiar with c-betting on the flop, the turn c-bet is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of post-flop play.

This blog will explore what a turn C-bet is and how you can use it to improve your poker game.

Understanding Turn C-Bet

Before diving into the specifics of a turn C-bet, it is essential to understand what a continuation bet is. A continuation bet is when a player who raised before the flop follows up with another bet after the flop. This keeps up the aggression and narrative that the player holds a strong hand. The C-bet can be used offensively and defensively, regardless of whether the player hit or missed the board.

What is a Turn C-Bet in Poker?

A turn continuation bet (turn c-bet) is a bet made by the preflop aggressor on the turn after making a c-bet on the flop. This bet continues the aggression, representing strength and putting pressure on opponents who may have called the flop c-bet with marginal hands.

For example:

• You raise preflop with A♠ K♣, and an opponent calls.
• The flop comes K♦ 7♠ 2♣. You make a C-bet, and your opponent calls.
• The turn is the 9♥. You fire another bet – this is the turn c-bet.

Key Differences Between Flop and Turn C-Bets

• Pot Size and Commitment: By the time you make a turn C-bet, the pot is larger than it was on the flop. As a result, a turn C-bet is more expensive. Players must be more cautious about how much of their stack they commit to the pot.
• Information Gained: After the flop, you have more information about your opponent’s hand based on their flop response. If they called your flop C-bet, it indicates they may have something of value. The turn card also provides further information about the board, giving you a clearer picture of whether your hand can win.
• Opponent's Range Narrowing: When an opponent calls a turn C-bet, their range becomes more refined. They will likely have a strong draw, made hand, or a slow-played monster. Therefore, a turn C-bet must be carefully considered.

When Should You C-Bet the Turn?

C-betting the turn is situational and depends on multiple factors. Some scenarios where a turn c-bet is recommended include:

1. When You Have a Strong Hand

If you have a top pair or better, you should continue betting to extract value from weaker hands.

Example: You hold K♠ Q♣ on a K♦ 8♠ 3♣ 5♥ board. Your opponent may call with hands like KJ, 88, 76, or flush draws.

2. When the Turn Card Improves Your Hand

If the turn completes your draw or improves your equity, a c-bet can build the pot and apply pressure.

Example: You have A♠ J♠ on Q♠ T♠ 6♣ 4♠ – now you have a flush. A turn c-bet ensures you get value from worse hands.

3. When the Turn is a Good Bluffing Card

Some turn cards are great for bluffing because they are scary for your opponent.

Example: You raised preflop with A♣ K♠, and the board is J♦ 8♦ 2♠ Q♠. The queen is a sound bluffing card, as it improves your perceived range.

4. When Your Opponent is Weak

If your opponent only calls flop c-bets with weak holdings, a turn c-bet can force folds.

Example: You hold 8♣ 7♣ on J♠ 6♦ 5♠ 3♦. Your opponent may fold hands like A6, K6, or Q5.

Factors Influencing a Turn C-Bet Decision

1. Community Card Arrangement

• Dry Boards: On dry, disconnected boards (e.g., K♠ 7♦ 2♣ 4♠), a turn c-bet is often effective since opponents rarely improve.
• Wet Boards: On coordinated boards (J♠ 9♠ 8♦ 6♣), a turn c-bet should be used cautiously, as opponents may have strong draws or made hands.

2. Opponent Type

• Tight Players: Tend to fold to aggression if they don’t have a strong hand.
• Loose Players: These players will call more often, so you should bet for value rather than bluff.
• Aggressive Players: May check-raise the turn, so be cautious with marginal hands.

3. Stack Sizes

• If you or your opponent has a short stack, a turn c-bet may commit you to the pot, so ensure you have a strong hand before betting.

4. Position

• Betting in position allows for better control of the hand.
• Betting out of position is riskier but can be effective against passive opponents.

5. Equity and Pot Odds

• Consider your hand equity (chance of improving) before deciding to fire a turn c-bet.
• Example: With A♠ Q♠ on J♠ T♣ 4♣ 8♠, you have a strong draw and should often bet.

Turn C-Bet Sizing

The size of your turn c-bet is crucial in maximizing value and applying pressure.

1. Standard Sizing (50-75% of Pot)

This is the most common bet size and effectively extracts value and forces folds.

2. Small Bet (30-50% of Pot)

Used in dry boards where your opponent is likely to fold.

3. Large Bet (75-100% of Pot or More)

Used when you have a strong hand and want to extract maximum value or deny equity to draws.

Common Mistakes in Turn C-Betting

1. C-Betting Too Often Without a Plan

Many players fire a turn c-bet automatically without considering community card arrangement or opponent tendencies.

2. Not Adjusting to Opponents

Against calling stations, you should value bet rather than bluff. Against aggressive players, be prepared for check-raises.

3. Using Incorrect Bet Sizing

A too-small bet may give opponents good odds to chase draws. A too-large bet may commit you unnecessarily to the pot.

4. Failing to Recognize Reversal Cards

A scary turn card (e.g., a flush card or a high straightening card) can shift the situation on the board.

Examples of Turn C-Bet

Example 1: Value Betting on the Turn

Hand: You have A♦ K♦
Board: K♠ 7♣ 2♠ 9♦
Action: You bet the flop, and your opponent calls. You should fire a turn c-bet to extract value from hands like KQ, KJ, or flush draws.

Example 2: Bluffing on the Turn

Hand: You have 8♦ 7♦
Board: Q♠ T♣ 4♠ J♦
Action: The jack is a great bluffing card, as it completes many straight draws. A turn c-bet here can fold out weak pairs.

Example 3: Checking the Turn for Pot Control

Hand: You have J♠ T♠
Board: J♦ 8♠ 3♣ 6♦
Action: You c-bet the flop, but now an overcard (king, queen) could be in your opponent’s range. Checking back may be the best move.

Frequently asked questions

What is a turn c-bet in Poker?

A turn continuation bet is when the preflop raiser bets the flop and follows up with another bet on the turn. It is used for value, bluffing, or equity denial. A well-timed turn c-bet can force folds from marginal hands, extract value from worse hands, or prepare for a river play.

When should you c-bet the turn?

You should c-bet the turn when:

• You have a strong hand for value.
• In turn, it improves your equity.
• The turn card scares your opponent.
• You identify weakness in your opponent.

How do you balance your turn c-bets?

Mix strong hands with bluffs that have equity, like straight and flush draws. Avoid c-betting only when strong, as good opponents will exploit it. A balanced range makes you harder to read and more profitable.

Conclusion

The turn C-bet is where the game starts getting serious. By this stage, opponents who remain in the hand are likely holding something decent, so blindly firing a bet won’t always work. Incorporating the principles mentioned earlier into your strategy can improve your win rate and make better post-flop decisions.