What Is a Continuation Bet in Poker?
Published May 19, 2026 • 7 min read • Strategy
A continuation bet (c-bet) is a bet made on the flop by the player who raised pre-flop, regardless of whether the flop helped their hand. It is one of the most fundamental weapons in poker strategy.
Why Continuation Bets Work
When you raise pre-flop, you represent a strong range—big pairs, big aces, suited broadway hands. Most flops miss most hands. When you bet the flop after raising pre-flop, your opponent faces a difficult decision because you’re representing the range that hits these boards frequently.
Example: You raise pre-flop with A♥ K♣. The flop comes K♦ 7♠ 2♣. You c-bet. Your opponent with J♥ T♣ has to decide: did you hit the King, or are you just following through? The answer—you did hit. But even if you hadn’t, the c-bet has equity as a semi-bluff.
Good Boards to C-Bet
C-bet frequently on boards that favour your pre-flop raising range:
- High dry boards: K♠ 7♦ 2♣ rainbow. The K is much more likely to be in your range (KK, AK, KQs) than your opponent’s calling range.
- Ace-high boards: A♥ 9♣ 4♦. You raise aces and big aces; your opponent typically calls with suited connectors, pocket pairs, and broadway hands—which mostly miss ace-high boards.
- Low paired boards: 4♠ 4♥ 9♣. Opponents rarely call pre-flop with fours in their range. You can represent overpairs credibly.
When to Check Instead of C-Bet
Checking is often correct on boards that favour your opponent’s calling range:
- Wet, connected boards: 9♥ 8♣ 7♥. Your opponent’s calling range (suited connectors, small pairs) connects here much more often.
- Low boards with many wheel cards: 6♦ 4♥ 2♠. Your big aces have little equity; opponents who called with small pocket pairs and 6x hands have you crushed.
- When out of position on a dangerous board: If you are in the blinds and out of position on a draw-heavy board, consider a check-call or check-raise rather than leading into the field.
Optimal C-Bet Sizing
Sizing depends on board texture and position:
- Dry boards (K72 rainbow): Small c-bets work well—33-40% of the pot. You only need opponents to fold medium pairs and draws; there aren’t many.
- Wet boards (when you choose to c-bet): Use a larger size—60-75% of the pot—to charge draws and deny equity.
- Multi-way pots: Reduce c-bet frequency significantly. You need a strong hand (top pair, good kicker or better) to bet into multiple opponents.
Double Barrel and Triple Barrel
A double barrel is a second bet on the turn after c-betting the flop. A triple barrel extends to the river. These require strong hand selection or credible bluff candidates:
- Double barrel when you pick up equity (flush draw, straight draw, top pair).
- Double barrel on scare cards that hit your range (an ace on the turn when you raised UTG).
- Triple barrel bluffs are high-risk; reserve for clear river blockers and opponents who can fold big hands.
C-Bet Frequency: Avoid Being Predictable
C-betting 100% of the time makes you exploitable. Opponents will check-raise or float you profitably. A mixed strategy—betting strong hands, strong draws, and some bluffs while checking back mid-strength hands and some nutted hands—keeps your range balanced and hard to play against.
For practical guidance at lower stakes, see the micro stakes strategy guide. Learn how c-bets interact with your overall positional game in our position strategy article.
Related: Micro Stakes Poker Strategy • Poker Position Strategy Explained • Poker Table Position Names