What is a continuation bet (c-bet) in poker?

A continuation bet (c-bet) is a bet on the flop by the player who made the last raise before the flop. You “continue” the story that you have a strong hand. It works because your opponent misses the flop most of the time: any two unpaired cards hit a pair or better on the flop only about one time in three.

Example

You raise preflop with A♠ Q♦ on the button, and the big blind calls. The flop is K♣ 7♦ 2♥. You missed, but you bet 1/3 of the pot. The big blind folds hands like 9-8 and Q-J, and you win the pot.

Good flops to c-bet

Dry boards such as K-7-2 rainbow or A-8-3: few draws, and they suit the preflop raiser’s range.
High cards (A, K, Q): the raiser has more of these hands.
Against one opponent, not three or four.

Bad flops to c-bet

Wet, connected boards such as 9♥ 8♥ 7♣: the caller has many pairs and draws.
Low boards when you raised from early position and the big blind defended.
Multiway pots: someone usually has something.

What size?

Dry boards: small, about 1/3 of the pot.
Wet boards: larger, about 2/3 of the pot, or check.

Against a c-bet

Don’t fold every time you miss: c-bets are often weak.
Call or raise with pairs and good draws; use your pot odds.
Check-raise sometimes on boards that fit your range better than the raiser’s.

Common mistakes

C-betting every flop. Good players notice and attack it.
Firing again on the turn with nothing after getting called.
C-betting big into several players.

Next: when to bluff and poker positions.

FAQ

What is a c-bet in poker?

A bet on the flop by the player who made the last raise before the flop.

How often should a beginner c-bet?

Often on dry boards against one opponent, much less on wet boards or in multiway pots.

What size should a c-bet be?

About 1/3 of the pot on dry boards and about 2/3 on wet, connected boards.

Why does a c-bet work?

Unpaired hands miss the flop about two times in three, so opponents often fold.