Three-Bet

What Is a Three-Bet?

A three-bet (3-bet) is the second raise in a preflop betting sequence. The term originates from limit poker: the blind is the first bet, the open raise is the second, and the re-raise is the third. In no-limit hold'em, a 3-bet means re-raising an opening raise. Three-betting builds larger pots with strong hands, generates Fold Equity against weaker holdings, and prevents opponents from seeing cheap flops.

Value 3-Bets vs. Bluff 3-Bets

A balanced 3-betting Range contains both value hands and bluffs. Value 3-bets include premium pairs (AA, KK, QQ, JJ) and strong broadways (AKs, AKo, AQs). Bluff 3-bets use hands with decent playability that benefit from fold equity, such as suited aces (A5s, A4s) that block aces in the opponent's range, and suited connectors like 76s when stacks are deep enough.

3-Bet Sizing Guidelines

Standard sizing depends on position:

• In position (e.g., button vs. hijack): 2.5-3x the original raise, leveraging positional advantage postflop
• Out of position (e.g., big blind vs. button): 3.5-4.5x to compensate for the positional disadvantage and deny equity to speculative hands
• Against a raise and callers (Squeeze): 3-4x plus one big blind per caller to account for dead money

Practical Example

The cutoff opens to 2.5bb and you are on the button with 10-10. You 3-bet to 7.5bb. Tens play far better heads-up in a 3-bet pot than multiway in a single-raised pot. The 3-bet narrows the field, builds a pot where your overpair on low boards commits comfortably, and gives you the initiative.

Mastering 3-Bet Strategy

Preflop+ provides exact 3-bet ranges for every positional matchup. Download Preflop+ on the App Store to drill these ranges until automatic. For advanced 3-bet pot play and 4-bet dynamics, read 3-Bet and 4-Bet Ranges That Print Money in 2026 or dive into the Preflop Strategy Masterclass.