3-Bet Strategy: Ranges, Sizing, and Position
The 3-bet is one of the most powerful weapons in pre-flop poker. A well-constructed 3-bet range puts tremendous pressure on your opponents, forces them to play larger pots out of position, and sets up profitable post-flop scenarios. But a poorly constructed 3-bet range bleeds money and makes your strategy transparent.
What Is a 3-Bet?
The terminology comes from limit poker counting: the big blind is the first bet, an open raise is the second bet (2-bet), and a re-raise is the third bet (3-bet). In no-limit, a 3-bet is simply a re-raise of an initial open.
3-Bet Ranges by Position
| Your Position | 3-Bet Value | 3-Bet Bluff | Total % |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs UTG open | QQ+, AKs | A5s-A4s | ~4% |
| vs HJ open | QQ+, AKs, AKo | A5s-A2s, 76s | ~6% |
| vs CO open | JJ+, AQs+, AKo | A5s-A2s, KQs, 87s-65s | ~9% |
| vs BTN open (from BB) | TT+, AJs+, AQo+ | A9s-A2s, K9s+, suited connectors | ~12% |
Value vs Bluff 3-Bets
A balanced 3-bet range contains roughly 60% value and 40% bluffs. Your value hands are those strong enough to get called and still be ahead (QQ+, AKs). Your bluff hands should have blockers (suited aces block opponent's AA/AK), post-flop playability, and limited value as flat calls.
3-Bet Sizing
- In position — 3x the open raise (e.g., raise to 7.5 BB over a 2.5 BB open)
- Out of position — 4x the open raise (e.g., raise to 10 BB over a 2.5 BB open)
- Against a caller in between — Add 1x the open raise per cold caller
Responding to 3-Bets
When you face a 3-bet after opening, your options are fold, call (flat), or 4-bet. Against a tight 3-bettor, fold everything but premiums. Against an aggressive 3-bettor, widen your 4-bet range and call more often in position.