Raising a c-bet in position: when and how

When the preflop raiser c-bets and you’re in position, you can fold, call or raise. Most players call too much and raise too little — or raise the wrong hands.

Raise for value

Raise strong hands that want to build the pot:

Sets and two pair, especially on wet boards where draws can catch up. See wet boards.
Strong top pairs against players who c-bet a lot and call raises lightly.

Raise as a semi-bluff

Raise good draws that have equity even when called:

Flush draws with overcards, open-enders, combo draws. See semi-bluff.
These hands win when the c-bettor folds and still have about 30–55% equity when called.

Call instead with

Medium hands (middle pair, weak top pair): a raise only gets called by better hands. See pot control.
Very strong hands on dry boards against aggressive players: calling keeps their bluffs in. See slow play.
Weak draws where folding to a 3-bet would hurt.

Sizing

Raise to about 3 times the c-bet. Against small c-bets (1/3 pot), you can go a bit bigger. See bet sizing.

When a raise is risky

At low stakes, a re-raise (3-bet) on the flop usually means a very strong hand. Be ready to fold your semi-bluffs and one-pair hands. See continuation bet and float.

FAQ

When should I raise a c-bet in position?

With strong hands that want to build the pot and good draws as semi-bluffs.

Should I raise a c-bet with middle pair?

Usually not; call or fold, because only better hands call a raise.

How big should I raise a flop c-bet?

About three times the c-bet, a bit more against very small c-bets.

What does a flop re-raise mean at low stakes?

Usually a very strong hand; be ready to fold semi-bluffs and one pair.