3-Bet in Poker: Recommended Size & Effective Strategy

Abstract

The concept of the 3-bet is central to modern no-limit hold’em strategy. A 3-bet refers to the re-raise of an initial raise and serves as a crucial tool for both value extraction and strategic aggression. This article defines the 3-bet, categorizes its main types, explores theoretical and practical guidelines for sizing, and examines effective strategies for its application in contemporary poker. The discussion integrates game theory optimal (GTO) considerations and exploitative adjustments to provide a comprehensive framework for decision-making.

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1. Introduction

Poker, particularly no-limit Texas hold’em, has evolved significantly over the last two decades due to advances in computational solvers and the widespread dissemination of strategic knowledge. Among the core strategic concepts is the 3-bet, a move that dramatically alters the structure of a hand by inflating the pot size and narrowing players’ ranges. Understanding the nuances of when and how to 3-bet is fundamental for success at all stakes.

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2. Definition of a 3-Bet

In poker terminology, the term “bet” is sequential:

1. Open-raise (2-bet): The first voluntary raise after the blinds.
2. 3-Bet: A re-raise over the open-raise.
3. 4-Bet: A re-raise against the 3-bet, and so forth.

Example:

• Small blind posts 0.5 big blinds (BB).
• Big blind posts 1 BB.
• Player A raises to 2.5 BB (open-raise).
• Player B raises to 8 BB → this constitutes a 3-bet.

Thus, a 3-bet is any re-raise of the initial open-raise, independent of position.

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3. Types of 3-Bets

3.1 Value 3-Bet

A value 3-bet is made with a strong hand (e.g., AA, KK, QQ, AKs) that expects to be ahead of the opponent’s continuing range. The primary goal is to extract chips from weaker hands and build a larger pot.

3.2 Bluff 3-Bet

A bluff 3-bet utilizes weaker or semi-playable hands (e.g., suited connectors, suited gappers, weak offsuit Ax) with the intention of forcing folds from the opponent. Bluffing is especially effective versus opponents who open wide but fold frequently to aggression.

3.3 Polarized 3-Bet Range

A polarized range combines premium hands (value) with lower-equity bluffing candidates, excluding medium-strength hands that are better suited for flat-calling. This is common when defending against early-position opens.

3.4 Linear (Merged) 3-Bet Range

A linear range includes strong and medium-strong hands (e.g., TT+, AJs+, KQs, AQo) without incorporating many weak bluffs. This strategy is used against looser players who continue often, making bluffs less profitable.

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4. Recommended 3-Bet Sizes

The optimal size of a 3-bet depends on position, stack depth, and table dynamics:

• In position (IP): 3x the open-raise size is standard.
  • Example: Villain raises to 2.5 BB, Hero 3-bets to 7.5–8 BB.
• Out of position (OOP): 3.5–4x the open-raise size is recommended to reduce the opponent’s positional advantage.
  • Example: Villain raises to 2.5 BB, Hero 3-bets to 9–10 BB.
• Short-stack play (≤40 BB): Larger sizing (4–5x) or all-in shoves may be preferred due to reduced post-flop maneuverability.
• Deep-stack play (≥150 BB): Smaller sizings (2.5–3x) can maintain flexibility while still applying pressure.

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5. Effective Strategy for 3-Betting

5.1 Game Theory Optimal (GTO) Considerations

Solvers recommend balanced 3-betting ranges that mix value and bluffs according to equity realization. Against competent opponents, a GTO-oriented approach prevents exploitation by keeping frequencies consistent.

5.2 Exploitative Adjustments

• Versus tight players: Favor bluff 3-bets, as they will fold too often.
• Versus loose/passive players: Favor value 3-bets, as they will call with inferior hands.
• Versus aggressive opponents: Incorporate more traps by flatting strong hands and 4-betting lighter.

5.3 Positional Dynamics

• Button & cutoff: Higher frequency of 3-bets, both value and bluff.
• Small blind: Aggressive 3-betting recommended due to positional disadvantage if flatting.
• Big blind: Mixed strategy of flatting and 3-betting depending on hand strength and opponent tendencies.

5.4 Post-Flop Considerations

The act of 3-betting polarizes ranges, which has strategic implications:

• The 3-bettor often has the range advantage on high-card boards.
• The caller retains more medium-strength and speculative hands, performing better on low and coordinated boards.
  Adapting continuation-bet frequencies accordingly is essential.

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6. Solver-Based Strategic Insights

6.1 Frequency of 3-Bets

At equilibrium (100 BB stacks, 2.5 BB open sizes, rake-adjusted):

• BTN vs CO: Solver 3-bets ~12–15% of hands.
• SB vs BTN: Solver 3-bets ~14–18%.
• BB vs SB: Solver 3-bets ~10–12%.
  These frequencies vary with rake structures: higher rake reduces solver 3-bet frequency at low stakes.

6.2 Blocker Logic

Solvers select bluffs with blocker effects:

• Axs block AA and AK → reducing opponent’s 4-bet range.
• Kxs block KK and AK.
• Suited connectors maintain equity when called.
  Hands like J7o or T4o are almost never used as solver-approved bluffs.

6.3 Positional Adjustments

• IP 3-bets: Solver prefers polarization — strong value + suited A-lows.
• OOP 3-bets: Solver prefers linear ranges — value-heavy, fewer speculative bluffs.

6.4 Post-Flop Implications

• High card boards (A-K-Q heavy): Solver assigns range advantage to the 3-bettor. C-bets are frequent and small (25–33% pot).
• Low coordinated boards (6-5-4, 7-8-9): Solver reduces c-bet frequency, recognizing that the caller’s range contains more nutted combinations.

6.5 Exploitative Deviations

While GTO solvers recommend mixed strategies, real-world adjustments increase EV:

• Versus players who overfold to 3-bets: Expand bluff range (increase suited connector and suited wheel ace 3-bets).
• Versus sticky players: Tighten range, skewing toward value hands.
• Versus 4-bet heavy opponents: Solvers suggest defending wider via calls and incorporating 5-bet shoves with hands like A5s or KQo.

Incorporating Solver Analysis and Hand Histories

Solver analysis provides quantitative benchmarks for optimal 3-bet frequencies, sizing, and hand selection. It reveals that the 3-bet is not merely a show of strength but a range-balancing tool that reshapes equity distributions both pre-flop and post-flop.

While solvers emphasize balanced polarization and proper sizing for an equilibrium strategy, real-world success depends on exploiting population tendencies effectively. This is where hand histories play a pivotal role.

• Hand Histories as a Foundation: Collecting and analyzing hand histories from your own play and opponents, as provided by hhdealer, provides the real-world data necessary to refine solver models.
• They give insight into actual opponent tendencies, such as fold to 3-bet percentages, frequency of 4-betting, and post-flop reactions, allowing solvers to generate more accurate, situation-specific strategies.
• By integrating hand histories with solver output, players can adapt their 3-bet ranges dynamically rather than relying solely on generalized GTO prescriptions.

Players who internalize solver principles—especially blocker-driven bluffing, position-based range construction, and adaptive sizing—while leveraging detailed hand history analysis develop more robust and profitable 3-bet strategies.

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7. Recommended 3-Bet Hand Chart

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Notes on the chart:

1. Suits matter: Many bluff hands are suited to gain equity post-flop.
2. Position-sensitive: 3-bet ranges are wider in late positions and narrower in early positions.
3. Stack depth: Deep stacks favor more speculative hands; short stacks favor premium hands only.
4. Adjust to opponents: Tight opponents → more bluffs; loose opponents → more value 3-bets.

8. Expected Value (EV) Analysis of 3-Bets

The Expected Value (EV) is a fundamental concept in poker strategy, quantifying the average profit or loss of a decision over time. For a 3-bet, EV depends on fold equity (the probability the opponent folds) and value realized when called.

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8.5 Implications for Strategy

1. Sizing: Larger 3-bets increase fold equity but also raise risk if called.
2. Opponent tendencies: Bluffing works best against players who fold frequently to aggression.
3. Position: Being in position allows smaller 3-bets to achieve similar EV due to post-flop maneuverability.
4. Range construction: Balancing value and bluff 3-bets ensures that opponents cannot exploit predictable strategies.

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Adding this EV analysis allows players and theorists to quantitatively evaluate 3-bet decisions, making strategy more precise and grounded in mathematics.

9. EV for different 3-bet sizes and opponent fold probabilities

assuming a base pot of 10 BB and a value showdown EV of 50 BB (for a value 3-bet) or -10 BB (for a bluff).

3-Bet Size (BB)	Opponent Fold %	EV (Value 3-Bet, BB)	EV (Bluff 3-Bet, BB)
20	30%	21	-12
20	50%	31	-2
20	70%	41	8
30	30%	8	-28
30	50%	18	-18
30	70%	28	-8
40	30%	-5	-43
40	50%	5	-33
40	70%	15	-23

How the numbers are calculated:

$$EV = P_f \cdot B + (1-P_f) \cdot EV_{showdown} – S$$

Where:

• \(B = 10\) BB (pot before 3-bet)
• \(S\) = 3-bet size
• \(EV_{showdown} = 50\) BB for value 3-bet, \(-10\) BB for bluff

Insights from the table:

1. Value 3-bets: Larger sizes are still profitable even with moderate fold percentages because showdown EV dominates.
2. Bluff 3-bets: Must rely heavily on fold equity; too large a 3-bet with insufficient fold probability becomes highly negative EV.
3. Optimal sizing: Balances fold equity and risk—smaller bluffs are often more profitable unless the opponent folds frequently.

Conclusion

Mastering the 3-bet is essential for modern poker success. It serves not just as a bluff or value mechanism, but as a powerful range-balancing and equity-disrupting tool. Integrating solver analysis with comprehensive hand history datasets provided by hhdealer allows players to develop adaptive, nuanced, and highly effective 3-bet strategies tailored to real opponents. By balancing value and bluff 3-bets appropriately and sizing thoughtfully, you maximize pressure, fold equity, and value extraction at the table, gaining a decisive edge. A well-constructed 3-bet strategy not only maximizes profitability but also makes a player significantly more difficult to exploit.

References

1. Chen, B., & Ankenman, J. (2006). The Mathematics of Poker. ConJelCo.
2. Miller, E., Mehta, S., & Flynn, M. (2007). Professional No-Limit Hold’em. Two Plus Two Publishing.
3. Solvers such as PioSOLVER and GTO+ (2015–present).