C-Bet Poker Strategy: Continuation Betting Explained
Last updated: April 30, 2026
A c-bet, short for continuation bet, is a bet made by the player who showed aggression on the previous street. In Texas Hold'em, it most often means: you raised preflop, one or more players called, and you bet the flop.
When to C-Bet
The best c-bet spots happen when the flop connects better with your preflop raising range than with the caller's range. If you raise from early position, you have many strong broadway hands and overpairs. On an ace-high dry board, that advantage lets you bet frequently, often with a small size.
Range advantage
Your range contains more top pair, overpairs, and strong kickers than your opponent's range.
Fold equity
Your opponent has enough weak hands that miss the board and can fold to pressure.
Backup equity
Even when bluffing, backdoor flush draws, overcards, and gutshots make good c-bet candidates.
When to Check Instead
Checking is not weakness. It protects your checking range, realizes equity with medium-strength hands, and avoids betting into boards where the caller has more sets, two pair, straights, and strong draws.
- You are out of position on a board that heavily favors the caller.
- Your hand has showdown value but does not want to face a raise.
- The flop is multiway, reducing fold equity and increasing the chance someone connected.
- Your bluff has no blockers, no backdoor equity, and poor turn prospects.
Board Texture Examples
Board texture is the fastest way to decide whether your continuation bet should be frequent, selective, large, small, or skipped entirely.
C-Bet Sizing
Bet size should match your strategic goal. Small sizes pressure weak hands while risking less. Larger sizes deny equity to draws and build the pot with strong made hands. Avoid choosing a size because it feels standard; choose it because the board and ranges support it.
25%-33% pot
Dry boards, range betting, ace-high boards, paired boards.
50%-66% pot
Moderately connected boards, value plus protection, stronger draws.
75%+ pot
Polarized value/bluff spots where both players have fewer medium hands.
Common C-Bet Mistakes
C-betting every flop just because you raised preflop.
Using one automatic size instead of adjusting to board texture.
Bluffing multiway pots too often.
Betting medium-strength hands that prefer to check and reach showdown.
Failing to plan which turn cards are good double-barrel cards.
Definitions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a c-bet in poker?
A c-bet, or continuation bet, is a bet made on the flop by the player who took the last aggressive action preflop. If you raise preflop and then bet the flop, that flop bet is a continuation bet.
How often should I c-bet?
There is no fixed frequency. You can c-bet more often on boards that favor your range, especially dry ace-high or king-high boards. You should c-bet less often on connected, low, or two-tone boards that hit the caller's range well.
What is a good c-bet size?
Small c-bets around 25%-33% pot work well on dry boards where your range has a clear advantage. Larger bets around 50%-75% pot are better when the board is draw-heavy or when your value hands need protection.
Should I c-bet when I miss the flop?
Sometimes. Missing the flop does not automatically mean checking. Bluff c-bet when the board favors your preflop raising range, you have backdoor equity, blockers, or fold equity. Check when the board heavily favors the caller.
Does position matter for c-betting?
Yes. In position, you can c-bet more comfortably because you control the final action on later streets. Out of position, you should check more often because your opponent can float and pressure later streets.
What is the biggest c-bet mistake?
The biggest mistake is betting automatically on every flop. Good continuation betting depends on board texture, range advantage, position, opponent tendencies, and what turn cards allow you to keep applying pressure.
Related Guides
Check your equity before firing the next barrel
Enter any hand and board to see exact equity, outs, and pot odds before studying c-bet lines.
Open RiverOdds Calculator →