Texas Holdem Radio
Poker Strategy Session #6
By: Hal Coblentz- Semi-Professional Cash Game Player 20+ years
Mastering Continuation Betting (C-Bets)
One of the most powerful weapons in modern poker strategy is the continuation bet, commonly called a C-Bet.
If you raised before the flop and then bet again on the flop, you are making a continuation bet — continuing the story that you have the strongest hand.
Learning when to C-Bet, how much to bet, and when to give up separates average players from consistently winning players.
What Is a Continuation Bet?
A continuation bet occurs when:
- You raise pre-flop
- One or more players call
- You bet again on the flop
The logic is simple:
You represented strength pre-flop.
The flop bet reinforces that story.
Most of the time your opponents miss the flop, meaning they fold a large percentage of hands.
Why C-Bets Work
Even strong starting hands only hit the flop about 1/3 of the time.
Example:
You raise with:
AK
Flop comes:
9♦ 4♣ 2♠
You likely missed — but so did your opponent.
Because you showed strength pre-flop, your opponent often assumes you have:
AA
KK
AK
AQ
or an overpair.
That pressure forces folds.
Good Boards to C-Bet
Certain flops strongly favor the pre-flop raiser.
Examples:
Dry Boards
A♣ 7♦ 2♠
K♦ 8♣ 3♥
These boards are hard for callers to connect with.
These are excellent spots to C-Bet nearly every time.
Dangerous Boards to Be Careful
Some flops hit the caller's range better.
Examples:
9♠ 8♠ 7♦
J♥ T♥ 9♣
These boards are:
- connected
• draw heavy
• dangerous for bluffs
In these situations, consider:
- checking
• pot controlling
• choosing smaller bets
Optimal C-Bet Sizing
A common mistake is betting too large.
Typical strong C-Bet sizes:
1/3 pot
or
1/2 pot
Smaller bets accomplish the same goal:
They apply pressure while risking fewer chips.
Remember:
Poker is about risk vs reward.
When to Give Up
Even the best players don't fire multiple barrels blindly.
Warning signs:
- multiple callers
• coordinated boards
• aggressive opponents
Sometimes the best play is simply:
Check and move on.
Saving chips is just as important as winning pots.
Quick Strategy Tips
✔ C-Bet more when heads-up
✔ C-Bet more on dry boards
✔ Use smaller bet sizes
✔ Avoid bluffing into multiple players
✔ Pay attention to opponent tendencies
Pro Insight
The best players are not just betting randomly.
They are constantly asking:
“Does this board favor my range or my opponent's range?”
Once you start thinking in terms of ranges instead of cards, your strategy will level up quickly.
Coming Next Session
Strategy Session #7
Playing Pocket Pairs Like a Pro
- When to set mine
• When to fold small pairs
• How to extract maximum value
