The Art of the 3 Bet
The Art of the 3 Bet – 3 Betting Poker Strategy
3 betting is a skill that has become a necessity for most poker players. A 3 bet is when a player makes a re raise of another player’s initial raise. It is identified as a 3 bet because the initial blinds are considered the first bet, a raise is considered the second bet, and a re raise is considered the third bet.
There are a variety of practical uses for a 3 bet, and some are easier to implement than others. The most common use of a 3 bet is when a player is aiming to extract maximum value with a strong hand. In this situation a 3 bet serves as the standard mechanism for building up a pot.
3 bet for value also happens to be the easiest time to 3 bet. The other popular use for a 3 bet is a bluff. 3 bets made as bluffs are often referred to as “light 3 bets.” The term light is derived from the fact that you have nothing, or close to nothing.
Light 3 bets are much harder to successfully execute as they require a number of variables to fall in place. For example, a light 3 bet would be useless if it is being made against the biggest calling station at the table.
If, however, you are 3 betting a player who has made a large amount of steal attempts you will find a greater amount of success. It is not impossible to use the 3 bet to your advantage under both circumstances, it will simply require a bit of practice.
3 Betting for Value
A 3 bet for value is just as it sounds. There is no real technical analysis that needs to be made when you are 3 betting for value. The most common hands that are 3 bet for value include, JJ, QQ, KK, AA, and AK.
There will be occasional spots where a 3 bet with TT or AQ is also acceptable, but these are not too frequent. JJ is a controversial 3 betting hand for one reason, a 3 bet for value usually means that you are willing to play an all in pre flop hand. If you are 3 betting for value it is a good idea to commit yourself to the hand, otherwise you will be wasting money when you are 4 bet.
3 Bet as a Bluff
3 bet bluffing, also known as light 3 betting, is the more advanced way to 3 bet. A solid 3 bet bluff is generally going to be made in later position. This ensures that you can play the hand in position after the flop is dealt.
The ultimate goal of a light 3 bet is to knock everyone out of the pot before the flop is even dealt. Since a light 3 bet assumes that you have no hand, there is no use in seeing a flop. If you do happen to connect on the flop after 3 betting light you will have a few options. If your opponent perceives you as weak, play the hand aggressively. If your opponent perceives you as strong, play the hand weakly.
SUMMARY: 3 Betting – Value – Bluffing – Strategy
3 betting is a tool that will allow players to capitalize on their strong hands, and manipulate players who are too passive pre flop. While it is harder to make a 3 bet as a bluff, most players will find that it is exceptionally profitable. Related articles – 3 betting – micro stakes pre flop – medium stakes pre flop – high stakes pre flop
