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3 betting pre flop

Saturday November, 14th 2009 by fullhouse

3 betting pre flop has gotten more and more common over the past few years. If you are unfamiliar with the terminology, a 3 bet is when a player re raises pre flop. The big blind is considered the first bet, the second bet is an initial raise, and the third bet is a re raise. As the games have gotten increasingly aggressive, the 3 bet has grown in popularity. The two main uses of a 3 bet are for value or as a bluff. A 3 bet made as a bluff is often referred to as “3 betting with air” or “3 betting light.” It is not all that difficult to properly implement the 3 bet for value, but it can be a challenge to understand when and how to make light 3 bets. Many players get into trouble when 3 betting with air as they don’t understand the dynamics of what they are doing. Poker, at its most basic level, is all about making decisions backed by sound logic. 3 bets should always make sense, if you can’t clearly explain why you made a 3 bet; it is likely that you shouldn’t have made one at all.

3 betting pre flop for value

For most players the 3 bet will be done for value. The area that players tend to struggle with is what types of hands they should be 3 betting with for value. There are general rules that can be applied to 3 betting pre flop for value. If the initial raiser is in early position, you should automatically tighten up your 3 betting range. If the opening raiser is from middle or late position you can loosen your 3 betting range a bit. A good rule of thumb for 3 betting would be to only 3 bet JJ+ and AQ+. This will help you to avoid some difficult decisions when you are 4 bet (because it will happen sometimes). You will have to fold your AQ, JJ, and maybe even QQ type hands to 4 bets every once in awhile, but it will depend upon how the 4 bettor plays. After you assign a 3 betting range you should be deciding how you will adjust it for each particular player at your table in the event that you 4 bet.

3 betting pre flop as a bluff

3 betting light should be avoided by most players. If you have a firm grasp on pre flop play you might be ready to begin testing out some light 3 bets. Light 3 bets will ideally be made from late position. If you are 3 betting with air from early position you will have a very difficult time figuring out what to do when you get called and have to see a flop. If you make a light 3 bet from late position and get called you will be able to play the hand with a bit of control after the flop. Since you are in position you will be able to let the other players act and then react accordingly. If they check to you on the flop, great, you can try and take it away with a bet. If they lead out into you it would be a good idea to give up on the hand.