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What Does “Run It Twice” Mean in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly GuideTerms

What Does “Run It Twice” Mean in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly Guide

When you’re playing poker and someone goes all-in, you may hear the term “twice.” This is most common in cash games, so if you mainly play tournaments, you might not have come across it yet. In this article, we’ll explain what “twice” means in poker in a beginner-friendly way.1. What does “twice” mean?“Twice” is short for “run it twice.” It refers to an option where, when all players are all-in before the river, the remaining board is dealt two separate times and the pot is split based on the results. Players use it to reduce variance (swings caused by luck).This option is mainly used in cash games, and the most common rule is that the board is run twice only if every all-in player agrees. Depending on the casino or poker room, rules can vary, such as “only allowed in heads-up pots” or “you can run it three times or more.” It’s a good idea to confirm the house rules in advance.2. Example of running it twiceLet’s look at how running it twice works in practice. Consider the following situation.Two players are competing for the pot.One player goes all-in on the flop, and the other player calls.If both players agree to run it twice, the turn and river are dealt two separate times. Then the pot is split based on the outcome of each run. In the example image, the right player wins the first run, and the left player wins the second run, so the pot is chopped and each player receives half.3. Is running it twice good or bad?Does running it twice change your expected value in chips? Let’s use an example where players get all-in on the turn.In this spot, the right player is currently ahead. For the left player to win, they need to hit one of five outs on the river: Ah, Ad, Ac, Js, or Jc. Let’s calculate the left player’s expected chip return with and without running it twice.If you do not run it twiceThere is no possibility of a tie on this board. Out of the 44 unseen cards, the left player wins if one of the 5 outs appears, and loses if any of the other 39 cards appears. So the expected value is 5/44 of the pot.If you run it twiceNow let’s find the probability that the left player wins both boards, and the probability they win exactly one board.Winning both runsTo win both, you deal two cards from the remaining 44, and both must be outs. The probability is:(5×4)/(44×43) = 5/473Winning exactly one runTo win exactly one, one card must be an out and the other must not be an out. The probability is:(5×39×2)/(44×43) = 195/946When you win exactly one run, you only receive half the pot. So the expected value becomes:1×(5/473) + (1/2)×(195/946) = 5/44This shows the expected value is the same as not running it twice: 5/44 of the pot.We used a turn all-in example here, but it’s also known that if players get all-in preflop or on the flop, running it twice does not change equity.Running it twice does not change equity, but you do need to pay attention to rake. In some rooms, running it twice can increase the rake. Reducing variance is appealing, but depending on the rake structure, running it twice can actually cost you money. Check the rules beforehand.Key pointsRunning it twice does not change equity.Running it twice may increase rake and could be unprofitable.If you want to learn more about rake, see this article:https://pokerqz.com/blog/rakeConclusionIn this article, we explained what “twice” means in poker. Running it twice reduces swings and can make your results feel more stable, but you can also choose to decline and embrace higher-variance situations for the thrill. Pick the option that fits your style. We hope this guide helped.

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What Is Rake in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly Explanation for New PlayersTerms

What Is Rake in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly Explanation for New Players

Have you ever heard the term “rake” while playing poker? If you’ve only played tournaments or home ring games, it might not be a familiar word. In simple terms, rake is the casino or poker room’s cut. In this article, we’ll explain what rake means in poker and how it should affect your strategy, in a way that’s easy for beginners to understand.1. What Is “Rake”?“Rake” originally means a garden rake in English. In casinos, it referred to the tool used to pull in chips. Over time, the word came to mean the casino’s share in poker.In most casino games, the casino naturally earns a profit because of the game’s structure. But poker is a player-versus-player game, so the casino wouldn’t profit without a fee. That’s why poker rooms take a portion of the pot or use other methods to collect their share.2. Types of RakeThere are several ways rake can be collected. Here are the most common types.Pot RakeThis is the most common method. After each hand ends, a portion of the pot is taken as rake. The rake percentage and a maximum cap are set, often described like “X% with a Y bb cap.” This method is especially common in online poker.Time RakeAs the name suggests, this rake is charged at fixed time intervals. It’s often used in higher-stakes cash games.Dead DropThis method collects a fee from the button player before the cards are dealt.3. How Rake Changes StrategySo far, we’ve covered different ways rake can be collected. For rake that isn’t directly tied to the pot, such as time rake, you don’t need to factor it into individual in-game decisions. The type that affects strategy is pot rake, where part of the money wagered during the hand is taken. Here, we’ll explain how to adjust your strategy when pot rake is in play.The key point is that when pot rake exists, part of the pot gets removed, so the expected value you gain from playing each hand becomes smaller. If you play the same way you would in a no-rake game, you can lose a lot over time. When rake is high, you should play fewer hands and tighten up.Also, in most games, pot rake is only taken when the hand reaches postflop. That means if you end the hand preflop, you often avoid paying rake. As a result, choosing to call preflop tends to be less profitable. In general, players other than the big blind should mostly choose either “raise” or “fold.”This is the opposite of games that include an “ante,” a forced contribution added to the pot separately from the blinds. For more on antes, see this article.https://pokerqz.com/blog/anteConclusionHow was it? In this article, we explained rake, the casino’s share in poker. Because rake can significantly change your expected value, always check the rake structure before you play. Also, when rake is taken, the total change in chips across all players is not zero but negative. That means with average skill, you’ll lose money to rake. To profit long-term, you need to be one of the stronger players at the table. If you want to win at poker, try studying with the poker learning app “POKER Q'z.”

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Value Betting Explained With Diagrams: A Beginner-Friendly Poker GuideTerms

Value Betting Explained With Diagrams: A Beginner-Friendly Poker Guide

1. What Is a Value Bet?A value bet is a bet you make when you believe your hand is stronger than your opponent’s. The goal is to get called and win more chips.GoalEncourage a call and build the pot as much as possible.How it differs from a block bet or a bluffBlock bet: A small bet used to prevent your opponent from making a large bet.Bluff bet: A bet made to force folds.A value bet is different because it assumes you will get called.2. Value Bet ExamplesLet’s look at a practical hand and board runout to understand how value betting works.2.1. PreflopYou: Ac Ks (Ace-King)Position: Button (BTN)Action: You raise from the BTN, the BB callsA-K is a standard preflop raise. The big blind (BB) calls, and you go heads-up.2.2. Flop: Kh 7d 2cYou hit top pair, top kicker with A-K. Your opponent could have a King, a pair like 7x or 2x, or some kind of draw (straight or flush). Because you have a strong hand, you should bet to get called.Action: You make a c-bet (continuation bet), your opponent calls2.3. Turn: Kh 7d 2c 3sThe 3s is a relatively blank card. Your opponent’s calling range can still include a weaker K kicker, pairs like 7x or 2x, or draws. Since you can reasonably expect to still be ahead, betting again is often the best play.Action: You c-bet again, your opponent calls2.4. River: Kh 7d 2c 3s 9dAction: Decide whether to make a final value betThe 9d also doesn’t threaten your top pair in a major way. Your opponent can sometimes have stronger hands like a set (for example, pocket sevens or pocket threes), but if you believe you’re ahead based on their range, you should make a final value bet to maximize the pot.How to think about bet sizing:If you bet too large, you’ll get fewer calls. It’s also not ideal to choose a size that only stronger hands can call. Aim for a size that makes your opponent think, “I might be good,” and pay you off.3. Keys to Successful Value BettingThink in rangesAsk yourself how many worse hands your opponent can call with. Even in top pair vs. top pair situations, if you clearly dominate with a better kicker, you can value bet confidently.Adjust your bet sizeChoose a size your opponent is likely to call.It also matters to adjust sizing based on opponent type (tight vs. loose, aggressive vs. passive).Evaluate your hand objectivelyIf your opponent raises strongly, consider the possibility that you’re behind. Forcing value too aggressively can lead to big losses.In particular, many players overvalue medium-strength made hands and bet without considering the nuts, only to reach showdown and realize they were actually behind. Stay disciplined.Use position to your advantageWhen you act later (BTN, CO, etc.), you can see whether your opponent checks or bets before you decide whether to value bet and how big to make it.4. SummaryA value bet is a bet you make when you believe you have the best hand and want to get called to build the pot.Using clear examples, such as making top pair with A-K, helps beginners recognize spots where they should bet for profit.When value betting, consider multiple factors: your opponent’s range, how often they will call, bet sizing, and position.When you have a strong hand, focus on maximizing the pot by value betting. Beginners often choose the passive line because betting feels scary, but to win long-term, you need the mindset that the stronger you are, the more you should value bet.

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What Is an Ante in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly ExplanationTerms

What Is an Ante in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly Explanation

Have you heard the term “ante” before? If you play tournaments, you probably hear it all the time. But if you only play ring games (cash games), you might not have come across it yet. In this article, we’ll explain what an ante is in a beginner-friendly way.1. What Is an Ante?In standard poker rules, two players post forced bets called the small blind and big blind. An ante is a separate forced contribution that goes into the pot before the hand begins, in addition to the blinds. Originally, every player posts the same amount each hand, but in live poker, many rooms use a big blind ante (BB ante), where the big blind posts the full ante for the table to reduce hassle.When an ante is in play, the pot starts larger. That increases the expected value of entering the pot, which encourages more action. That’s why antes are especially common in tournaments.2. How to Play When There’s an AnteBecause the pot is bigger with an ante, the reward for winning preflop is higher. Compared to games with no ante, you can profitably enter more hands.Let’s look at a specific situation. Assume you’re on the button (BTN).If you open-raise and both the small blind and big blind fold, you win 150 chips without an ante. With an ante, you win 250 chips instead (assuming the total ante is 100 chips; same assumption below). Because stealing the blinds and ante preflop is so effective, you can open-raise more hands. This is especially true when few players 3-bet your opens, since you’re less likely to get pushed off your hand and lose the chips you invested. Open-raise aggressively and build your stack.Now consider a spot where you’re in the big blind (BB) facing an open-raise.Here, the amount you need to call is 150 chips. Your required equity is, in simple terms:With ante150÷(500＋150)≒0.23＝23％Without ante150÷(400＋150)≒0.27＝27％So with an ante, you need less equity to defend. On top of that, since opponents often raise wider to steal, it becomes more profitable for the big blind to call with more hands than in a no-ante game. In particular, suited hands are frequently profitable calls or even raises, even when they’re low.Key pointsWhen there’s an ante, open-raise more handsFrom the big blind, you can call with more hands (especially suited hands, which you should rarely fold)ConclusionHow was that? An ante might seem small at around a total of 1 big blind per hand, but whether you adjust for it or not makes a big difference over the long run. If this is your first time learning about antes, start by consciously playing more hands. We hope this article helps your game.

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What Is a 3-Bet in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly Explanation for New PlayersTerms

What Is a 3-Bet in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly Explanation for New Players

Have you heard the term “3-bet”? A 3-bet is one of the most important actions in poker. In this article, we’ll clearly explain what a 3-bet means and how to use it strategically. Use these ideas in your own games.1. What Is a “3-Bet”?A “3-bet” mainly refers to re-raising preflop after an opponent has already raised.Even though it’s the second raise, it’s called a “3-bet” because we count the big blind as the first bet and the initial raise as the second bet. In the same way, the third and fourth raises are called a “4-bet,” “5-bet,” and so on.If you want to learn about the “open raise” (entering the pot with the first raise preflop), check out this article:https://pokerqz.com/blog/open2. What Happens When You 3-BetYou can make other players foldWhen you 3-bet against an opponent’s raise, your hand looks strong from their perspective. As a result, your 3-bet can force folds and win the pot immediately.The pot gets biggerIf your opponent calls or re-raises after your 3-bet, you’ll play for a much larger pot. When you have a strong hand, this can lead to bigger profits.3. What Size Should Your 3-Bet Be?The best 3-bet size depends on your position relative to your opponent.When you’ll act first postflop(= “out of position,” OOP)In poker, acting later is an advantage because you get to see what your opponent does before making your decision. When you’re OOP, postflop play becomes harder, so there’s more value in making your opponent fold. Also, players in position tend to fold less often, so you generally want a slightly larger 3-bet size. From OOP, many players 3-bet to about 4–5x the original raise.When you’ll act last postflop(= “in position,” IP)Because acting later is an advantage, the player who must act first postflop is more likely to fold. That’s why 3-bet sizes from IP tend to be smaller than from OOP. From IP, many players 3-bet to about 3–4x the original raise.Also, if someone has already called the raise and you then 3-bet, that play is called a “squeeze.” When there’s a caller in between, you should generally use an even larger 3-bet size.4. What Hands Should You 3-Bet With?There are two main reasons to 3-bet: to make your opponent fold and win the pot, or to build a bigger pot and increase your profit. Choose hands that match each goal.Very strong handsStart by 3-betting with hands that are likely ahead of most of your opponent’s raising range. “Very strong hands” include:As Ah Kd Kc Qs QhAd Kd Ac Qc As JsAh KdWith hands like these, you’re often ahead of the hands your opponent raises, so you should raise to build the pot and maximize value.Hands that play well after the flopOnce you’re comfortable 3-betting strong hands, start adding hands that can also win by making your opponent fold. However, if your opponent calls your 3-bet, you’ll have to play postflop, so 3-betting with hands that are too weak is not a good idea. A good approach is to 3-bet hands that you’re happy to win preflop with, but can still play reasonably well if called. Examples include:Suited hands containing an Ace (such as Ah 5h)Because you hold an Ace, it slightly reduces the chance your opponent also has an Ace. You can also make the nut flush, which makes these hands relatively playable postflop and well-suited for 3-betting.Suited connectors (such as 8d 7d)These hands can make straights and flushes more often, so they tend to play well after the flop. Another benefit of mid-ranked suited connectors is that they’re less likely to be dominated by the same card with a worse kicker.ConclusionWhat did you think? In this article, we explained the basics of the 3-bet. The 3-bet is a crucial action if you want to win at poker. Use these concepts as a guide and practice applying them in real games.

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What Is an Open Raise in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly ExplanationTerms

What Is an Open Raise in Poker? A Beginner-Friendly Explanation

When you play poker, you’ll often hear the term “open raise.”In this article, we’ll explain the open raise, one of the most common and important preflop actions in poker.1. What Is an “Open Raise”?An “open raise” means entering the pot by raising preflop when no one has entered the pot yet.For example, if you’re in the Cutoff (CO) and everyone folds up to you from the Hijack (HJ), then you raise to enter the pot, that action is an open raise.A typical raise size is around 2.5bb to 3bb, but if many players tend to call, you may choose a larger open size.2. What About Calling?If no one has entered the pot yet and you want to play the hand, you can also choose to call instead of raise. This is called an “open limp.”3. Enter the Pot with an Open RaiseIn poker, open limping (except from the Small Blind) is considered a mistake in many situations. That’s why, when no one has entered the pot, it’s usually best to enter with an open raise.Key benefits of open raising include:You can win the blinds (steal) by making everyone foldWhen you open raise, you give yourself a chance to make all other players fold. If you open limp instead, the Big Blind can check, so you can never make everyone fold preflop.You reduce the number of players seeing the flopThis is closely related to the first point, but playing postflop against fewer opponents is a major advantage. If you open limp, more players are likely to enter, which increases the chance your weaker hand gets outdrawn and you lose the pot.You build a bigger pot and earn more with strong handsRaising creates a larger pot than limping. If you limp, the pot stays small, making it harder to profit even when you pick up a strong hand.4. Which Hands Should You Open Raise?Even though open raising is generally the best way to enter the pot, open raising too many weak hands will increase your losses. That’s why you need to choose your open-raising hands carefully. Let’s look at what kinds of hands work well.Depending on the rules and your position, an appropriate open-raise frequency is often said to be around 20% to 30%. When no one has entered the pot, it’s usually best to open raise with roughly the top 20% to 30% of hands.Hands that are well-suited for open raising include:Two high cardsHands like A-T or K-Q tend to have strong equity. Another reason they perform well is that when you make a pair, your other card (your kicker) is often strong, which helps you win bigger pots.Pocket pairsHands like 9-9 or 5-5 are called pocket pairs. You start with at least one pair guaranteed, and against non-paired hands you often have around 50% equity or more. You also have a good chance to make three of a kind, and when you hit a set you can win a large pot.Suited connectorsHands like J-T suited or 6-5 suited are called suited connectors: two cards of the same suit with consecutive ranks. Even if their raw equity is not high, they can make strong hands like flushes and straights, and those hands can win big pots when they connect.Here we covered the general characteristics of hands you should open raise, but there are also “open range charts” that list specific hands to open from each position. For more details, see this article:https://pokerqz.com/blog/rangeSummaryIn poker, preflop is the most important street because you play it every single hand. If you learn to open raise correctly as a preflop fundamental, your results can improve dramatically. Put what you learned here into practice and start building a stronger preflop strategy.

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What Is a Donk Bet in Poker? Easy Explanation for BeginnersTerms

What Is a Donk Bet in Poker? Easy Explanation for Beginners

1. What Is a Donk Bet?A donk bet is when a player who did not raise preflop (before the flop is dealt) suddenly leads out with a bet on the flop or a later street.For example, suppose the player on the button raises preflop with Ah Ks, and you (in the big blind, for instance) just call. After the flop, most players assume the preflop raiser still has the initiative. If you bet first anyway, before the raiser acts, that lead bet is what people call a donk bet.In poker slang, “donk” in “donk bet” comes from “donkey,” meaning an idiot or a bad player.Why is it called “donk”?Because it’s often seen as a play that goes against standard, textbook poker. The conventional idea is to respect the preflop raiser’s initiative and check to them on the flop, then respond after you see what they do. A donk bet flips that script: the non-raiser bets first without waiting.Historically, many players viewed this as a foolish move that (unnecessarily) reveals information about your hand, which is why the term “donk bet” stuck.For strong players, it isn’t always “donk”That said, the label originally mocked bad bets from weak players. It doesn’t mean every donk bet is wrong. Skilled players sometimes use strategic donk bets to apply pressure and steer opponents into specific lines.Be careful when you say it to someoneSince “donk” is an insult in English, telling someone “that was a donk bet” can come across as rude. Keep that in mind.On the other hand, when the preflop raiser continues betting on the flop and beyond, that’s called a continuation bet (c-bet).https://pokerqz.com/blog/cbet2. Why Donk Bets Are Often Seen as “Bad”In basic poker theory, the preflop raiser is expected to keep the initiative after the flop. That’s why many players consider it “smart” to check to the raiser first, then make your decision based on their action.2-1. It can make you easier to readWhen you lead into the preflop raiser, you ignore their initiative and often trigger suspicion: “Why are they betting first?” Against strong opponents, that odd timing can become a clue they use to narrow your range and read your hand more accurately.2-2. If they have a strong hand, you can lose moreA common beginner mistake is betting right away because they hit top pair on the flop. But if the raiser has a premium hand like Qd Qc or Ah Kc, they can raise immediately, the pot balloons, and you end up in a tough spot.Even when draws are involved, facing a big raise can put you in a situation where you can’t comfortably fold, and you end up bleeding chips.2-3. Even with the nuts, you might not build a big potEven if you’ve made the nuts, leading out can make your opponent wary and cause them to fold. That prevents you from building a large pot and reduces your potential profit. In many cases, checking to represent weakness, letting them bet, then calling or raising on the turn or river will earn more.3. Donk Bets Can Also Apply Pressure: Why They’re Being ReconsideredIn recent years, as playing styles have diversified and GTO (Game Theory Optimal) concepts have become more common, players have started to recognize that donk bets are not always worthless. Here are a few reasons advanced players use them.1. Use the board to represent that you connected hardOn low, coordinated flops, your calling range can contain hands like small pocket pairs and suited connectors. A small lead can suggest you hit that board well, apply pressure, and sometimes win the pot immediately by forcing folds.2. Protection and cheaper draws through sizing controlIf you check and wait, your opponent may bet large, making it expensive to continue. By donk betting, you can “propose” a bet size you’re more comfortable with. It can function like a block bet and discourage your opponent from putting you in a high-cost spot.3. Prevent a multiway pot from checking throughIn pots with three or more players, if everyone checks the flop, you may give opponents a free card and let draws realize equity for free. A donk bet forces opponents to respond by calling or raising, reducing the chance they get to see the next card at no cost.4. Summary: Put Donk Bets Lower on Your Study ListWe’ve covered what a donk bet is, why it was historically mocked as “donk,” and why modern strategy has started to reevaluate it.1) Why beginners should usually avoid donk bettingChecking is the best option far more oftenWhen you wait and see your opponent’s action, you gain information and reduce mistakes compared to betting firstLearning simple fundamentals improves you fasterIn many spots, the standard approach of checking to the preflop raiser, facing their continuation bet, and responding fits wellYou risk losing extra chipsIf your opponent has a strong hand, or the pot is multiway, leading out can create difficult, expensive situations2) Advanced donk bets aren’t always “donk”They can work when you have a clear purpose, such as confusing an opponent, drawing more cheaply, or preventing a check-throughOverall, it’s usually not a good idea for beginners to donk bet frequently without a plan. In most cases, it’s safer and more logical to check to the preflop raiser first, evaluate their response, and then choose your action.

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Poker Ranges Explained: A Beginner-Friendly Guide for New PlayersTerms

Poker Ranges Explained: A Beginner-Friendly Guide for New Players

Once you start learning poker, you’ll quickly see the term “range” everywhere. You may have heard it in YouTube strategy videos or read it in articles: “Villain has a wide range here,” or “Our range has the advantage.”In this article, we’ll explain what a poker range is and how to use it in real games, in a way that’s easy to understand even if you’re brand new to poker.1. What Is a “Range” in Poker?A “range” refers to the full set of hands a player can have in a given situation. A visual chart that shows which hands you should play (and which you shouldn’t) is called a “range chart.”Note: Range charts often use labels like AKs and AKo. “s” (suited) means both cards share the same suit. “o” (offsuit) means the suits are different. Many range charts list suited hands on one axis and offsuit hands on the other.For example, when an opponent raises preflop, they might have big cards like As Kc, a suited connector like 8h 7h, or even a small pocket pair.This list of hands your opponent could realistically hold is their range.Why Are Ranges So Important?Poker is a game where you can’t know for sure whether you’re ahead or behind until showdown.By estimating what hands your opponent is likely to have, you can choose better actions such as betting, calling, or folding.The concept of ranges also helps when you think about how your own hand looks from your opponent’s perspective.2. The Basics of Range ThinkingPreflop RangesIn poker, the first ranges you should learn are preflop ranges. For example, strategy books and training sites often show charts like “recommended hands to raise from UTG (Under the Gun).” These charts are guidelines that say, “If you’re going to raise from this position, these hands create a solid, balanced strategy.”As a beginner, one of the fastest ways to improve is to use a preflop range chart as a reference and memorize a simple baseline like, “From this position, I mainly play these hands.”How Position Changes Your RangeIn poker, positions that act later (like the BTN) have a big advantage. The later your position, the easier it becomes to play more hands, meaning you can widen your range.ExamplesFrom UTG (first to act), you typically open-raise only relatively strong hands like Ah Kd or Qs Qh.From the BTN (Button) or SB (Small Blind), depending on how the action folds to you, you can play a wider range that includes suited connectors and smaller pairs.The key takeaway is simple: your position changes how you build your range.Ranges by ActionA range isn’t just “all possible hands.” It also changes based on the player’s action.Open rangeThe hands a player raises with when they open the pot.Calling rangeThe hands a player calls with (including cold calls).3-bet range and 4-bet rangeThe hands a player uses to re-raise against an open-raise or a 3-bet.POKER Q'z app range screen: BB range vs a CO openPOKER Q'z app range screen: BB 3-bet range vs a UTG openBy thinking through what hands a player can take with each action, you can build a clearer picture of their overall range.With the POKER Q'z app, you can not only check ranges by position and action, but also practice in realistic scenarios to see whether you’re actually playing according to the correct ranges.The app is free to start, so if you haven’t downloaded it yet, we recommend installing it.https://pokerqz.com?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=range3. Benefits of Thinking in RangesIt becomes easier to estimate your opponent’s strengthWhether your opponent raised from UTG, raised from the BTN, or fired back with a 3-bet makes a huge difference in what hands they’re likely to have.When you factor that in, you can better predict how often they connect with the flop and what kinds of actions they’re likely to take on the turn and river.2. It becomes easier to choose your own actionIf your opponent’s range is weighted toward strong hands, you should usually avoid careless bluffs or loose calls.If your opponent’s range is wide and includes many weak hands, your continuation bets and bluffs may succeed more often.3. You can evaluate your hand as part of your rangeFor example, if you raise on the button and the big blind calls, the situation becomes “your button opening range” vs “their calling range.”From there, the key is to judge where your current hand sits within your overall range, which helps you decide your next move (bet, check, or fold).4. Key Factors to Consider When Putting Someone on a RangeTheir positionEarly positions (UTG, HJ) usually play tighter, stronger ranges.Raises from the BTN or CO often come from wider ranges.Their playing styleTight players enter pots with strong hands more often.Loose-aggressive players may include more broadways and suited connectors.Stack size and format (tournament vs cash game)In late-stage tournaments with short stacks, players often narrow their range and shove all-in more frequently.In cash games, deeper stacks can lead to wider calling and raising ranges.ConclusionThe concept of ranges is one of the most important fundamentals in poker. When you stop thinking only about your exact hand and start thinking about what hands your opponent could have, and also how your own range looks to them, the real depth of poker’s mind games becomes much more interesting.

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C-Bet (Continuation Bet) Explained: A Beginner-Friendly Guide for New Poker PlayersTerms

C-Bet (Continuation Bet) Explained: A Beginner-Friendly Guide for New Poker Players

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 preflopYour opponent (such as the big blind) callsAs 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.https://pokerqz.com/blog/donkWhy Are C-Bets 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-Betting1. Build the pot with strong handsAs 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 cardsIf 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-Betting1. If you c-bet too oftenIf 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 enoughWhen 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 strongHere, 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 youYou 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 cardIt’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 nothingLow, 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 nothingIn multiway pots, the pot gets bigger and players call more often. C-betting without a strong hand is frequently too risky.ConclusionTo 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.

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