C-bet

The c-bet (continuation bet) is betting the flop after being the preflop aggressor. It’s the most common play in modern poker, and it works because of a simple asymmetry: the preflop raiser has the range with more strong hands, and the flop misses everyone most of the time. Two thirds of the time your opponent hasn’t hit anything that can stand pressure.

When the story continues

A c-bet isn’t automatic. The questions that decide it:

• Who does the board favor? An A♠K♦7♣ flop smashes the opener’s range; an 8♥7♥6♠ hits the caller’s. On the first you bet small and very often; on the second, far less.
• What does your hand do if you get called? With clear value, you bet for value. With nothing but outs, it’s a semi-bluff. With nothing and no plan for the turn, better not to fire the first barrel.
• How much? Sizing works together with fold equity: on dry boards a third of the pot gets almost the same folds as betting full pot, at a third of the price.

And after the flop

The c-bet is the first barrel; keeping the story going on the turn (the “second barrel”) and deciding the river are chapters of their own. The trainer’s c-bet drill grades every decision with the engine: frequency first, then sizing.