Continuation Betting: When to C-Bet the Flop

What a c-bet is

A continuation bet is a bet on the flop by the player who raised before the flop, whether or not the flop helped. It works because the raiser's range is stronger on average, and opponents miss the flop most of the time.

Most hands miss

Holding two unpaired cards, you make at least a pair on the flop only about 32% of the time, roughly one in three. A bet can win the pot right away when you missed, and it needs to work only as often as the bet size requires: a half-pot bet needs a fold 33% of the time.

Which boards to bet

Dry boards, such as K-7-2 in three suits, are good for the raiser: few draws, and the raiser has more kings and aces than the caller. Wet boards, such as J-10-9 with two of one suit, connect with the caller's range, so continue with strong hands and draws and slow down with nothing.

Small bets of a third to a half of the pot work on dry boards. On wet boards, larger bets charge draws, and checking is often right with weak hands.

Which opponents to bet against

C-bet more against one opponent than against several; each extra player makes it more likely that someone has a hand. Bet more against players who fold too often, and bet less against calling stations, who never fold. Do not fire a second barrel on the turn without a reason: a draw, a good card for your story or a hand that can value bet.

Questions

What does c-bet mean in poker?

Continuation bet: a flop bet from the player who raised before the flop.

Should I c-bet every flop?

No. Bet when the board favours your range or you have a hand or draw worth betting. Check on wet boards when you have nothing and several opponents.