Stab

Basic Definition

A Stab is a bet made by the in-position (IP) player after the preflop raiser checks instead of making a continuation bet on the flop.

In other words, a Stab is the IP version of a BMCB (Bet vs Missed C-Bet).

Note: The OOP version of a BMCB is called a Probe.

Specific Situation

Board:
CO open-raises, BTN calls.
On the flop, CO (the original raiser) checks.
BTN, having position, responds with a small bet—
this is a classic Stab.

Important Information

• A Stab exploits the idea that a check from the original raiser often signals a weakened range.
• Because the IP player holds positional advantage, even small bets exert strong pressure.
• In both GTO and real play, incorporating Stabs when the OR checks is a key component of modern strategy.

Examples of Term Usage

“He stabs very frequently, so checking too often as the preflop raiser becomes dangerous.”