C-Bet Strategy: When and How to Continuation Bet

A continuation bet (c-bet) is a bet made by the pre-flop aggressor on the flop. It is one of the most common and most profitable plays in poker when executed correctly. Understanding when to c-bet, what sizing to use, and when to check is fundamental to a winning post-flop strategy.

Why C-Betting Works

As the pre-flop raiser, you have two advantages: you showed strength by raising, and the flop misses most hands. Statistically, any unpaired hand misses the flop about 2/3 of the time. A well-timed c-bet capitalizes on this by forcing folds from the majority of your opponent's range that did not connect.

Sizing Strategy

When to C-Bet

Good c-bet spots

• Boards that favor your range (high cards for the pre-flop raiser)
• Heads-up pots (one opponent is easier to fold out)
• When you have position
• When you have equity even if called (overcards, backdoor draws)

When to check instead

• Multi-way pots (more opponents = more likely someone connected)
• Boards that favor the caller's range (low, connected boards)
• When you have showdown value (medium pairs on dry boards)
• When out of position with a weak range advantage