C-Bet

Definition

A continuation bet (or c-bet) is when the pre-flop aggressor — the player who made the last raise before the flop — follows up with a bet on the flop. The name comes from the idea that you're "continuing" the story of aggression you started pre-flop. C-bets are one of the most common plays in poker and happen in the majority of hands that go to a flop.

Example

You raise pre-flop with A♣ J♦ and one player calls from the big blind. The flop comes 8♥ 5♠ 2♣ — a board that didn't connect with your hand at all. However, you were the raiser pre-flop, so your opponent knows you likely have a strong hand. Even though you missed the flop, you bet about half the pot. Your opponent folds. This is a c-bet bluff — you bet not because you have a great hand, but because your positional story and pre-flop aggression give the bet credibility. Your opponent folds many hands that would beat you, and you pick up the pot without a fight.

Why It Matters

The c-bet is one of the first advanced concepts beginners encounter, and learning when to do it — and when not to — is a big step forward. C-bets work because the pre-flop raiser has a positional and range advantage: they claimed to have a strong hand, and the flop has to be very unlucky to miss their entire range. But c-betting every single flop is a mistake — good opponents will catch on and start calling or raising you. As you improve, you'll learn to pick good flops to c-bet (ones that hit your range) and check back others. For now, just knowing what a c-bet is puts you ahead of most beginners.