If you play poker regularly, you’ve probably heard terms like “c-bet (CB)” or “continuation bet” many times.
In this article, we’ll clearly explain the basics of the c-bet, one of the most common actions in poker strategy, including its pros and cons and key points beginners should watch out for.
1. What Is a C-Bet (CB)?
A c-bet (continuation bet) means betting again on the flop after you raised preflop.
For example, you’re in the cutoff (CO) holding Ah Ks, and:
- You raise preflop
- Your opponent (such as the big blind) calls
- As soon as the flop is dealt, you bet first
(or you bet after your opponent checks)
The bet made in this sequence is a “c-bet.”
On the other hand, when a player who did not raise preflop leads out and bets first on the flop or later streets, it’s called a donk bet.
Why Are C-s Used So Often?
The player who raises preflop is representing a strong range. When the flop comes, betting again puts pressure on your opponent by signaling, “I’m still strong.”
Your opponent may think, “They probably still have a strong hand,” and if they didn’t connect with the flop, they’ll often fold. That’s why c-betting can be an effective way to win pots.
2. Advantages of C-Betting
1. Build the pot with strong hands
As the preflop aggressor, your range naturally contains many strong hands. If you hit a set, top pair or better on the flop, you want to bet to grow the pot and extract value.
2. Win the pot early (force folds)
Even when you’re ahead right now, the turn or river can still change the outcome. By betting the flop and encouraging folds, you can lock up the pot earlier and deny your opponent a chance to realize their equity for free.
3. Deny free cards
If your opponent has a flush draw or straight draw and you check, you give them a free look at the turn. By c-betting, you force them to respond with a call or raise, which reduces the risk of letting them improve for free.
3. Disadvantages of C-Betting
1. If you c-bet too often
If you c-bet almost every time, opponents can fight back when they connect strongly, raising you and costing you chips. Or you may end up folding too often on later streets because you can’t withstand turn and river pressure. Either way, you can lose unnecessary chips.
2. If you don’t c-bet enough
When you actually have a strong hand, you won’t build the pot and you’ll miss value. You also give opponents more free cards, increasing the chance they outdraw you.
4. How Often Should You C-Bet?
A commonly cited “standard” is around 60%. In reality, the right frequency depends on board texture and opponent tendencies, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Still, a style of “just c-bet every time” will usually slow your improvement.
In general, you’ll c-bet more often in these situations:
- When your hand is strong
- Here, you c-bet to get value from hands like a K hit (top pair), middle pairs, or straight draws.
- When your hand isn’t that strong, but the board favors you
- You also have a backdoor flush draw and backdoor straight draw, so it’s not a complete air hand. You can fire a small c-bet (around one-third pot) to target folds, or use the turn to decide how to proceed.
- When you don’t want to give a free card
- It’s standard to c-bet against hands like an A hit with a weak kicker, flush draws, or gutshot straight draws (such as 76).
Note: Common bet sizes are around one-third to one-half pot.
On the other hand, situations where you generally should not c-bet include:
- When the board favors your opponent and you have nothing
Low, connected boards (such as 6h 5s 4c) often hit the big blind’s calling range.If you have no made hand and no draw, checking often reduces losses.
- When it’s multiway and you have nothing
In multiway pots, the pot gets bigger and players call more often. C-betting without a strong hand is frequently too risky.
Conclusion
To win consistently in poker, how you play the flop matters a lot. Learning to use c-bets in a balanced way and correctly decide when to bet and when to check can have a major impact on your growth as a player. Use the key points from this article and try them in your next sessions.