Online Poker Guide - Texas Holdem Strategies
Texas Holdem Strategies: Contination Betting
The continuation bet, often referred to as the “C-bet”, is the term we use for following up a pre-flop raise bet with another bet on the flop – weather you hit the flop or not.
The C-bet takes advantage of the initiative gained by your pre-flop aggression and carries it over on to the flop.
By raising before the flop you are indicating to your opponents that you have a strong hand and you are willing to raise it before the flop appears. The C-bet comes into play on the flop where a bet tells the table that you still have a strong hand and you’re happy to put more money into the pot.
C-betting is an effective way of picking up lots of small-medium sized pots as most hands miss the flop in Texas Holdem Poker. By indicating to your opponent(s), on two occasions, that you have a strong hand they will fold every time they miss their hand.
Sometimes, of course, your opponents will make a hand and call or even raise your bets. When that happens it’s time to put the brakes on your betting and accept you are probably beaten (See our strategy article on knowing when to fold)
More advanced poker players know all about the continuation bet and will quickly pick up on your strategy if you use it each time. Vary your play and use the C-bet occasionally, rather than each time, to avoid giving away any obvious information to your opponents.
When you are planning to use the C-bet be aware of the other players in the hand. Would they call a big pre-flop raise with premium cards only? Are they loose players? Also, take a look at the flop. If you raised from the button with Ace – Nine and the flop is Jack – Queen – King then changing your mind and checking the action to take a free turn card is perfectly acceptable, especially if you are called by two or more opponents before the flop.
The C-bet is a great weapon in your poker arsenal. Use it carefully and not obviously in your poker games and it should provide plenty of regular wins.
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Online Poker Guide: Continuation betting
Use aggression pre flop and then continue it with the contination bet after. This'll get your opponents folding thinking you have a strong hand, even if you don't.
Use the Continuation Bet carefully though. Mix it up with varying pre-flop hand strengths to confuse your opponents. Hey, and don't play or raise every hand, consider the actions of others. A good balance between aggression and playing tight will always help confuse other players. Now put your continuation betting skills to the test with the UK's favourite online poker room - 32Red Poker.
