Great poker players are aggressive. It’s a fact  well-known that aggression wins in poker. And when it comes to asserting your dominance at the tables, there’s no tool more potent than 3-betting.

So, what exactly is a 3-bet, and why should you incorporate it more into your gameplay?

Let’s break it down.

In its simplest form, a 3-bet refers to the first re-raise before the flop.

It’s a strategic move that sets the tone for the hand, signaling strength and putting pressure on your opponents. It’s not just about having premium hands; it’s about being unpredictable and challenging to play against.

Here’s the thing: you likely don’t 3-bet often enough. Why you should:

1. Strategic Advantage

Gone are the days of 3-betting only with premium hands like QQ or AK. Such a conservative approach makes you predictable and easily exploitable. By including both premium and non-premium hands in your 3-betting range, you become more difficult to play against.

2. Isolate weak players

When you 3-bet after a weak player raises pre-flop, you force other players behind to fold. Additionally, you get to isolate the weak player and are able to utilize your post-flop edge.

3. Thin the field

As more players enter the pot, the equity of your hand diminishes and your chance of winning decreases. By 3-betting, you can thin the field (aka reduce the number of players in the hand), increasing the likelihood of you scooping the pot.

So, how do you construct an effective 3-betting range? 

To excel in 3-betting, construct a well-thought-out range that includes a variety of hands.

Strong Range: Some players limit their 3-betting to only premium hands like pocket kings or aces. However, this predictable strategy can be exploited by observant opponents, leading to missed opportunities to maximize hand value.

Example: You’re in the small blind with 40 big blinds. The button opens with a 2bb raise, and you hold pocket aces (AA). You 3-bet to 6bbs. This is a great spot to 3-bet and not slowplay your AA since ranges are very wide and you are expected to 3-bet a polarized range from the small blind. Another words, the button will likely not believe you.

Polarized Range: A polarized range includes your best hands along with weaker hands, such as hands like KTo or A9s. Adding these pre-flop polar 3-bets will get you some folds with hands that are too weak to call a pre-flop raise.

Example: You’re 60 big blinds deep in the big blind and you hold A♠6♠. The player on the button opens with a 2.5bb raise, and you decide to 3-bet to 9bbs. This hand, although weaker, still has potential to make strong hands like straights or flushes. By 3-betting, you force the button player to fold more often than usual, and even if they call, you still have a chance to win the pot.

Want to learn more poker strategies and take your gameplay to the next level?

In poker, adaptability is key. Always be prepared to adjust your 3-betting strategy based on your opponents’ tendencies. Consider factors such as how often your opponent folds to 3-bets, their post-flop aggression tendencies, and the tendencies of players behind them.

Embrace the art of 3-betting, and watch as your poker game reaches new heights of success. Remember, the key to becoming a great poker player is not just playing the cards you’re dealt, but playing them with confidence and strategic aggression.

Until next time, may the cards be ever in your favor!