Continuation Betting (C-Bet): When, Why, and How Much
A continuation bet — or c-bet — is a bet made on the flop by the player who raised preflop. It's the most common bet in poker because the preflop aggressor usually has both the stronger range and the initiative.
Why the c-bet works
By raising preflop you told the table you have a strong range. The flop usually doesn't change that story, so a c-bet pressures hands that missed, denies equity to draws, and sets up future barrels. You win immediately a large share of the time — and keep the lead when called.
Board texture decides everything
C-bet far more often on boards that favor your range. Dry, high boards (like K-7-2 rainbow) hit a preflop raiser's range hard — bet often, small. Wet, connected boards (like 9-8-7 two-tone) favor the caller — c-bet less, and size up when you do. See bet sizing & board texture.
Sizing your c-bet
Range-heavy dry boards: a small 25–33% pot bet you can fire with everything. Dynamic boards or polarized spots: 66–100% pot with value and strong draws. Match your size to your goal — deny equity cheaply, or charge draws and build the pot.
Don't auto-c-bet
Firing 100% of the time is exploitable — observant players just float and take it away. Check some of your range (including traps) to stay balanced and protect your checks. The right c-bet frequency is a mix, not a habit.
Key takeaways
- A c-bet is the preflop raiser's flop bet, leveraging range + initiative.
- C-bet more on boards that favor your range; less on boards that favor the caller.
- Size small to deny equity, large to charge draws and build pots.
- Mix in checks — don't c-bet every flop.
Drill this until it's instinct.
Reading the theory is step one. GTO Groove turns it into reps until the right play is automatic.
Start free — get in the groove →