What Is The 3 Bet Strategy In Poker?

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With great risks comes great money, whether in the stock market or a poker game. What distinguishes a good poker player from a great one is the absence of fear in the latter towards big pots. Setting themselves up for such a sizable pot involves employing numerous strategies, including the 3 bet strategy.

What is 3 bet poker?

The third bet in a given sequence of bets is deemed a 3 bet. The open raise is called a 2 bet, and a re-raise is a 3 bet in poker. Incorporating the 3 bet strategy is crucial to boosting the player's win rate; it pays more than just cold calling.

A 3-bet range depends on the size of the open bet. To explain, let us assume we have an opponent that usually folds to 3 bets in poker. Then resort to bluffing more often and slowly playing stronger preflop hands against value betting. On the converse, if you have an opponent that never folds to 3 bets, cut back on the bluffing and resort to widening value bets.

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What advantages do you get by 3 bet in poker?

It makes the opponent reconsider this hand and delays decision-making on their part.

  • Including non-premium hands in your 3 betting range makes you a player to reckon with, as you will be less predictable to your opponents.
  • It becomes easier to isolate weak players.
  • It may force the weak players to make premature decisions, giving their hands away.
  • It will force some players out before the flop, giving you a better shot at winning the pot.
  • It will offer you a chance to pick up the pot preflop.

Types of 3 bets in poker

  • The Value 3 bet: The traditional 3 bet is when the player believes that they have the best hand and hence would like to get more money into the pot in light of this perceived advantage. The key is to find the opponent’s range and bet accordingly. Against a tight aggressive player, the value 3 bet will be tight, whereas against a loose aggressive player, the player’s range might be wider.
  • The Light 3 bet is when the player re-raises a pre-flop raiser with a hand that is not necessarily rated as the best hand but is of some value. Also known as a semi-bluff, the player's goal in such a bet is to win the pot immediately and get the opponents to fold. Employing a light 3 bet in poker will also get the other players to discard an image of a tight player against your name and help you play a rounded game. The best hands-to-three-bet light are at the top of your folding range.

Types of betting range

  • Merged ranges:

It consists of premium hands, strong hands, and hands which can be played without bluffing

It is warranted in case –

a. If you are in a position that is unfavourable for calling (for example, small blind)

b. The open raiser is a strong player and might cause trouble post-flop;

c. If the open raiser is calling stations;

d. If other players are calling stations.

  • Polarised ranges:

It consists of hands at the top and bottom hands namely, premium hands and bluffs

It is warranted in case –

a. If the open raiser often folds to 3 bets;

b. If you hold many hands, that plays better as calls rather than 3 bets.

c. However, avoid polarizing when playing against a fish because, in general, they will call a lot more 3-bets, even out of position. It is best to play value bets against them and avoid bluff hands at all costs.

  • When using a polarised 3 bet strategy, one must use a slightly larger size for a polarised range than a merged range.
  • Bet size must not be solely determined based on the strength of the player’s hand. The position of the player must dictate it. You can get away with a smaller three-bet size when you're in position. This is because you will be the last to act for the entirety of the hand.
  • Whereas three times the original raise was fine in position, it is better to make it four times or more out of position. The larger raise works towards negating the player’s positional disadvantage.

Determining bet size

  • Bet size must not be solely determined based on the strength of the player’s hand. The position of the player must dictate it. You can get away with a smaller three-bet size when you're in position. This is because you will be the last to act for the entirety of the hand.
  • Whereas three times the original raise was fine in position, it is better to make it four times or more out of position. The larger raise works towards negating the player’s positional disadvantage.
  • If the player is re-raising a raise and a call, they will have to make the re-raises even larger because the re-raise will have to make it through two players instead of just one.
  • As a general rule, keep your 3 bets sized properly to your position and the number of players left in hand, and you’ll make it easier on yourself in the long run.

Adjustments in your 3 bet strategy

Any modifications to the 3 bet strategy must be made on the following considerations –

  • Post-flop aggression tendency of the open raiser
  • How often does your opponent folds
  • Responses and tendencies of other players on the table
  • The effective stack available
  • The pot equity and fold equity
  • Board texture

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Conclusion

Three-betting is extremely profitable because it balances the player's range, and there is a lot of dead money to partake in. Using the three bets at the pre-flop stage offers an additional advantage, as leading the hand has its perks. Being perceived as strong is only of the many benefits you can enjoy by employing this 3 bet strategy. However, be cautious and use this strategy only when required and never overdo this.

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FAQ's

What is a 3-bet in poker?

  • A 3-bet is the third bet in a betting sequence, involving an initial bet, a raise, and then a re-raise.

When should I use the 3-bet strategy?

  •  Employ the 3-bet to show strength, isolate opponents, or as a strategic move against aggressive players.

Is 3-betting only for strong hands?

  • No, players can 3-bet with both strong hands for value and as a bluff with weaker hands to put pressure on opponents.

How does position impact the 3-bet strategy?

  • In later positions, players can widen their 3-betting range, whereas in early positions, it's often reserved for stronger hands due to potential multi-way action.

What are the risks of a poorly timed 3-bet?

  • Poorly timed 3-bets can lead to unnecessary exposure of weaker hands, potential losses, and being exploited by observant opponents. Timing and hand selection are crucial.
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