C-bet in poker: why your continuation bet is not working
The C-bet (continuation bet) is the bet you make on the flop after being the last raiser preflop. It is one of the most frequent spots in poker and one of the most poorly played. Too often, too rarely, too small, too big — every C-bet mistake costs you BB/100.
What is a well-used C-bet?
An effective C-bet serves two goals: making the hands that have equity against you fold, and extracting value with your strong hands. The problem is that a lot of players C-bet automatically, without taking the board or the opponent's profile into account.
Reference: A flop C-bet between 40% and 60% is generally considered optimal in 6-max cash game. Outside that range, your game becomes exploitable.
The most costly C-bet mistakes
Automatic C-bet (rate > 75%)
If you C-bet every single flop after raising preflop, your opponents will simply check-raise with their strong hands and float with their draws. You are giving them information without any real pressure.
Never C-betting (rate < 30%)
Too few C-bets, and you hand the initiative to your opponents. They learn that your check on the flop means weakness, and apply pressure immediately.
Wrong sizing
A C-bet at 20% of the pot does not apply enough pressure. A C-bet at 100% of the pot loses too much when your opponent continues. In general, 40-60% of the pot is a balanced sizing.
Ignoring board texture
On a coordinated board (two suited, connected cards), your opponent is more likely to have connected or have a draw. Your C-bet should be more selective there. On a dry board, you can C-bet more frequently.
Multiway C-bet (against 2+ opponents)
C-betting as a bluff against multiple opponents is not very profitable. The odds that one of them connected with the flop rise considerably. Most bluff C-bets should be reserved for heads-up pots.
How to improve your C-bet
Step 1: Measure your current C-bet rate. Without a precise number, you do not know whether your problem is frequency or sizing.
Step 2: Look at which board type you C-bet on and with what results. Patterns show up over volume.
Step 3: Define a simple rule for your next session — for example, stop C-betting on very coordinated boards when you have not connected.
Analyze your C-bet with FlopIQ
FlopIQ calculates your flop and turn C-bet rate, and detects whether it is a priority leak in your game.
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FAQ
Should you C-bet more in position?
Yes. In position (button, CO), you have the advantage of seeing your opponent act before you decide on the turn and river. You can C-bet more frequently because you keep control of the pot.
Is the turn C-bet different?
The turn C-bet (double barrel) is more selective. You need a solid reason to continue: a good hand, good blockers, or a very foldable opponent. An automatic double barrel is very costly.
How do I know if my C-bet is being exploited?
If you regularly lose to flop check-raises or persistent floats, your C-bet is probably too frequent or poorly sized. Analyzing your stats will confirm it.
What FlopIQ does on this topic
The FlopIQ tools and analyses that directly address what you just read.
C-Bet Advisor
A board, a texture, a position: check or bet, and at what size. 10 flop situations.
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