Continuation Bet
Action Level · Beginner Aliases: c-bet, continuation betting
A continuation bet is a bet on the flop by the player who raised last before it.
What is Continuation Bet
A continuation bet is made by the player who took the last aggressive action preflop, carrying that initiative onto the flop. It can be a value bet or a bluff — the name describes the line, not the strength behind it. Whether to bet depends on which range the board favours and which hands your opponent can continue with. Dry high-card boards often suit a small size at a high frequency, while connected boards that hit a calling range need far more selection. Do not bet every flop simply because you raised preflop. Keeping some strong hands in your checking range protects that range and controls the pot.
On the felt
Table6-max cash game
PositionBTN
FlopQ♠7♦2♣ (dry)
ActionBet 1.8BB on the flop after raising preflop
Example
You raise preflop on the button with A♥K♣ and the big blind calls. The flop comes Q♠7♦2♣ and you bet 1.8BB. That board favours your range of strong queens and big pocket pairs.
Common mistakes
- Reading a continuation bet as proof of a made hand. It only shows the preflop raiser continuing; the hand may be value or a bluff.
- Betting every flop after raising preflop. Wet low boards usually favour the caller, and the frequency should come down.
Related terms
All-in
Going all-in means putting every remaining chip you have into the pot.
Bluff
A bluff is a bet made with a weak hand, aiming to make better hands fold.
Call
Calling means matching the current bet to stay in the hand.
Check
Checking means passing the action without putting in chips when there is no bet to face.
Check-Raise
A check-raise means checking first, then raising after an opponent bets on the same street.
Fold
Folding gives up your hand and any claim to the pot, ending your involvement in it.