3‑Bet in Poker: Definition, Types & Effective Strategy

A 3-bet occurs when one player raises, and then a subsequent player re-raises. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about 3-betting in poker.

What is a 3-bet?

A 3-bet in poker is when:

• The first player makes a bet (open raise),
• The second player raises (first raise),
• The third player re-raises — this is the 3-bet.

Most often, 3-bets are made with strong hands to signal strength and put pressure on opponents. They also help increase your chances of winning the pot.

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How to Use the 3-Bet: Types of Ranges

Choosing hands for a 3-bet depends on factors like your position, playing style, and opponent tendencies. Here are common 3-bet ranges:

Value 3-Bet Range

This includes strong hands that you believe are ahead of your opponent’s raising range. Typical value 3-bet hands include premium pairs (AA, KK, QQ), strong Broadway hands (AK, AQ), and occasionally suited connectors (like 89s or TJs) depending on context. The goal: build a bigger pot and extract value from weaker hands.

Bluff 3-Bet Range

This consists of hands not strong enough to call a raise but with decent blockers or potential. Examples include suited connectors (67s, 89s), low suited Aces (A2s, A3s), and some offsuit Broadways (KQo, QJo). The purpose is to apply pressure and potentially take the pot preflop or with continued aggression postflop.

Polarized 3-Bet Range

A polarized range mixes strong value hands (AA, KK, QQ) with bluffs (like suited connectors or weak suited Aces), excluding most medium-strength hands. This strategy forces tough decisions from opponents and leverages fold equity.

Merged 3-Bet Range

This range includes strong hands, bluffs, and some medium-strength hands. It’s less polarized and aims for a balanced strategy that protects against exploitation. Hands include strong Broadways, mid pocket pairs, and suited connectors.

Exploitative 3-Bet Range

Tailored to target specific weaknesses in your opponents’ strategies. For example, if a player folds too much to 3-bets, widen your bluff range. If they call frequently but rarely 4-bet, tighten up and focus on value hands.

Example of a 3-Bet in Poker

You’re playing $1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em at a local casino. You’re dealt A♠K♠ on the cutoff (just right of the dealer button). The UTG player raises to $6. The button folds, and it’s your turn.

With a strong hand and good position, you 3-bet to $20. This is a 3-bet because it’s the third bet in the sequence (open raise, your re-raise). Blinds fold, and the action returns to UTG, who must now decide whether to call, fold, or 4-bet.

Here, your 3-bet aims to extract value and isolate the raiser, potentially playing heads-up with position.

What is the Recommended 3-Bet Size?

There’s no fixed rule, but general guidelines help choose an optimal size depending on your stack, table dynamics, and position.

Here’s a quick reference table:

As a rule of thumb: avoid 3-betting more than 33% of your stack unless you’re going all-in.

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3-Bet vs. 4-Bet: What’s the Difference?

A 4-bet is a re-raise over a 3-bet. It doesn’t matter whether the 4-bettor was the original raiser or not. Compared to 3-betting, 4-bets are bolder and less common.

A standard 4-bet sizing is about 2.5x the size of the 3-bet if you’re in position. Out of position, increase to around 2.75x–3x.

Tools to Improve Your 3-Bet Strategy

To maximize your profits, it’s important to combine theory with the right tools. Here are three essential aids:

Opponent Stats with Statname

Statname provides accurate opponent stats, helping you assess play styles, raise/fold frequencies, and more. You can generate detailed player profiles and interactive reports to analyze opponent strengths and weaknesses. It integrates with other tools, offering deep, multi-layered analysis.

Table Selection Automation with MagicSeat

MagicSeat gives you a significant edge by quickly finding the softest tables with minimal competition. Real-time data and filtering by pot size, opponent aggression, and more ensure optimal seating against weaker players.

Hand Analysis with HisHands

HisHands helps you analyze played hands, spot mistakes, and improve decision-making. With hand history mining, you gain access to large databases for studying recent hands. It integrates with top trackers like Hand2Note, HoldemManager3, and PokerTracker4, helping you refine your 3-bet spots and exploit opponent patterns.

Conclusion

The 3-bet is a powerful tool to assert strength and control the pot. Understanding the different 3-bet ranges allows you to decide when and how to use them effectively. With the right strategy and tools like Statname, MagicSeat, and HisHands, you can sharpen your edge and become a more profitable, well-rounded poker player.

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