Continuation Bet (C-Bet)

What is Continuation Bet (C?

A c-bet is a bet made by the preflop aggressor on the flop. You bet to follow up on your preflop aggression.

Good c-bet boards: ace-high dry boards (you have more aces). Bad c-bet boards: low connected boards (your opponent's range connects better).

Why it matters

C-bet strategy depends on: board texture, range advantage, SPR, position. High-frequency small c-bets (merged strategy) work on dry boards where IP has range advantage — bet most of the range for a small size.

Lower-frequency larger c-bets (polarized strategy) work on wet boards — bet only strong hands and selected bluffs, check the middle of the range.

Real examples

• BTN c-bets 90% for 25% on A72r — merged high frequency
• BTN c-bets 55% for 67% on QJT — polarized lower frequency
• CO checks back 60% on 654r — range disadvantage limits c-bet

Nuance and caveats

Modern solver-derived c-bet strategy: Dry boards with IP range advantage: high frequency (~85%), small (25-33%). Wet boards with contested equity: medium frequency (~55%), medium (50-67%).

Low connected boards with OOP range advantage: low frequency (~45%), and use mixed sizes. Never betting (checking 100%) on the flop costs IP ~26bb/100 in EV — c-betting is essential to IP strategy, particularly on high-card boards.

Key takeaway

C-bet strategy: dry boards = merged small; wet boards = polarized large.