Poker 3-Bet Calculator: Pre-Flop Aggression Strategy (2026)
Poker 3-Bet Calculator: Optimal Re-Raise Strategy
3-betting transforms you from passive caller to aggressive pre-flop player. Our calculator helps determine optimal 3-bet ranges, sizing, and frequencies based on position, stack depth, and opponent tendencies.
What Is a 3-Bet?
A 3-bet is the third bet in a pre-flop sequence: blinds (1st bet), open raise (2nd bet), re-raise (3-bet). It's one of poker's most powerful pre-flop weapons.
Quick Answer: A GTO 3-bet range includes value hands (QQ+, AK) and bluffs (suited aces, suited connectors) for balance. Typical 3-bet frequency is 7-10% vs opens. Size should be 3x IP and 4x OOP the open raise. Against loose openers, widen value; against tight openers, add more bluffs or just call.
How to Use Our 3-Bet Calculator
Use the Poker 3-Bet Calculator →
Enter opponent stats and position to see optimal 3-bet ranges and sizing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Enter Open Position: Where villain opens
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Select Your Position: Where you act
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Input Open Size: Villain's raise
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Enter Stack Depth: Effective stacks
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View 3-Bet Range: Value + bluffs
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See Sizing: Optimal bet amount
Input Fields Explained
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Open Position | Villain's seat | Button |
| Your Position | Your seat | Big Blind |
| Open Size | Villain's raise | 2.5x |
| Stack Depth | Effective stacks | 100bb |
| 3-Bet Range | Optimal hands | 10% |
| 3-Bet Size | Suggested bet | 11bb |
3-Bet Ranges by Position
vs UTG Open (Tight Range)
| Your Position | Value Range | Bluff Range | Total % |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO | QQ+, AKs | A5s-A2s | 4-5% |
| BTN | JJ+, AK | A5s-A3s, KQs | 5-6% |
| SB | QQ+, AKs | A5s-A3s | 5-6% |
| BB | KK+, AKs | A5s-A4s | 4-5% |
vs CO Open (Medium Range)
| Your Position | Value Range | Bluff Range | Total % |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTN | TT+, AQ+ | A5s-A2s, KJs+ | 8-10% |
| SB | JJ+, AK | A5s-A3s, KQs | 6-8% |
| BB | TT+, AQ+ | A5s-A2s, suited connectors | 8-10% |
vs BTN Open (Wide Range)
| Your Position | Value Range | Bluff Range | Total % |
|---|---|---|---|
| SB | 99+, AJ+, KQ | A5s-A2s, K9s+, suited connectors | 10-12% |
| BB | 88+, AT+, KJ+ | Suited aces, suited connectors | 12-15% |
3-Bet Sizing Strategy
In Position (IP)
| Situation | Sizing |
|---|---|
| Standard | 3x open |
| Deep stacked (150bb+) | 3.5x open |
| Short stacked (<50bb) | 2.5x or shove |
| Multi-way | +1bb per caller |
Out of Position (OOP)
| Situation | Sizing |
|---|---|
| Standard | 4x open |
| Deep stacked | 4.5x open |
| Short stacked | 3x or shove |
| vs cold caller | +2bb |
Example Sizing
Villain opens 2.5bb:
- IP: 3-bet to 7.5bb
- OOP: 3-bet to 10bb
Value vs Bluff Ratio
Balanced Ratio
| Scenario | Value : Bluff |
|---|---|
| GTO default | 1 : 1 |
| vs calling station | 3 : 1 |
| vs tight folder | 1 : 2 |
| vs 4-bet happy | 2 : 1 |
Why Balance Matters
| Ratio | Result |
|---|---|
| All value | Opponents fold; no action |
| All bluffs | Get 4-bet light; exploited |
| Balanced | Opponents guess wrong |
When to 3-Bet
3-Bet for Value
| Hand Type | Position |
|---|---|
| QQ+ | Always |
| JJ | vs wide opens |
| TT | vs button opens |
| AK | Always |
| AQs | vs LP opens |
3-Bet as Bluff
| Hand Type | Why Good Bluff |
|---|---|
| A5s-A2s | Blocker, playability |
| Suited connectors | Multiway equity |
| KJs, QJs | Blocker, domination |
| Small pairs | Low calling EV |
When NOT to 3-Bet
| Situation | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| Strong hand vs tight open | Call (trap) |
| Weak position vs UTG | Fold |
| Short stacked with marginal | Shove or fold |
| Multi-way with speculative | Call |
Real-World Examples
Example 1: Standard Value 3-Bet
Position: Button vs CO open to 2.5bb Hand: K♠K♥ Stacks: 100bb
Action: 3-bet to 7.5bb Reasoning: Premium hand, IP, building pot
Example 2: Bluff 3-Bet
Position: Small Blind vs Button open to 2.5bb Hand: A♠4♠ Stacks: 100bb
Action: 3-bet to 10bb Reasoning: Blocker to AA/AK, suited playability, fold equity
Example 3: Flat vs 3-Bet Decision
Position: Big Blind vs UTG open to 3bb Hand: J♥J♣ Stacks: 100bb
Analysis:
- 3-bet: Gets called by better, folds worse
- Call: Sees flop, evaluates
- Better: Call and play post-flop
Example 4: Short Stack 3-Bet
Position: Button vs CO open to 3bb Hand: A♣K♦ Stacks: 25bb
Action: 3-bet all-in (25bb) Reasoning: No fold equity at 9bb 3-bet; shove maximizes FE
Opponent-Specific Adjustments
vs Calling Station
| Adjustment | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Widen value range | They call with worse |
| Remove bluffs | No fold equity |
| Size bigger | Extract maximum |
vs Tight Player
| Adjustment | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Narrow value range | They only call with premium |
| Add more bluffs | High fold equity |
| Standard sizing | Keep pot manageable |
vs Aggressive 4-Better
| Adjustment | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Reduce bluff frequency | Getting 4-bet light |
| Have plan for 4-bet | Call or 5-bet shove |
| Include trap hands | Flat AA/KK sometimes |
vs Fish
| Adjustment | Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Value heavy | They call too wide |
| Larger sizing | Bigger pots with equity |
| Simple hands | Broadway over suited connectors |
Common 3-Bet Mistakes
1. 3-Betting Too Tight
Mistake: Only QQ+, AK Problem: Exploitably predictable Fix: Add balanced bluffs
2. 3-Betting Too Loose
Mistake: Any ace, any pair Problem: Facing 4-bets with garbage Fix: Quality hands with blockers
3. Same Sizing Always
Mistake: 3x every time Problem: Predictable, leaving value Fix: Adjust IP/OOP, stack depth
4. Ignoring Position
Mistake: Same range from SB and BTN Problem: Position affects profitability Fix: Wider IP, tighter OOP
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage should I 3-bet?
7-10% overall is standard. Higher from blinds vs late position opens, lower vs early position opens.
Should I ever 3-bet/fold?
At deep stacks (100bb+), yes. A 3-bet to 10bb leaves 90bb behind—plenty to fold. Short stacks should shove or fold.
How do I handle a 4-bet?
Premium hands call or 5-bet. Bluffs fold. Medium hands (JJ, AK) depend on stack depth and villain tendencies.
Why 3-bet bluff with suited aces?
A5s-A2s block AA and AK (villain's 4-bet range), have suited equity if called, and play well on A-high flops.
Should I flat or 3-bet AK?
Position matters. IP against loose opens: 3-bet. OOP against tight opens: flatting can be better to control pot.
What's the minimum stack for 3-betting?
Below 25bb, 3-betting commits you. Either 3-bet/fold small (not recommended) or shove. 40bb+ allows proper 3-bet/fold strategy.
Advanced 3-Bet Concepts
Squeeze Plays
3-bet vs open + caller(s):
| Scenario | Sizing | Range Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 caller | 4x + 1bb/caller | Widen bluffs |
| 2+ callers | 5x + 1bb/caller | Tighten value |
Polarized vs Linear Ranges
| Type | Composition | When |
|---|---|---|
| Polarized | Nuts + bluffs | Deep stacked |
| Linear | Premium descending | Short stacked |
Cold 4-Betting
When facing 3-bet with original raiser behind:
| Hand | Action |
|---|---|
| QQ+ | 4-bet or call |
| AK | Position-dependent |
| Bluffs | Rare, need blockers |
Pro Tips
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Blockers matter: A5s blocks AA, AK—best bluff hands
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Position dictates range: IP can 3-bet wider profitably
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Size differently IP/OOP: Bigger OOP builds pot when dominated
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Watch for fish: Value heavy against calling stations
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Have a 4-bet plan: Know your action before 3-betting
Related Calculators
- Poker Equity Calculator - Hand vs range equity
- Push-Fold Calculator - Short stack strategy
- ICM Calculator - Tournament adjustments
- Poker Range Calculator - Range construction
- Fold Equity Calculator - Aggression math
Conclusion
3-betting is essential for profitable pre-flop play, but balance between value and bluffs is crucial. Our calculator helps determine optimal ranges based on position, stack depth, and opponent tendencies. Master 3-betting to take control of pots and avoid being exploited.
Calculate Your 3-Bet Ranges Now →
The best 3-bettors understand that aggression must be balanced. Too tight, and you're predictable. Too loose, and you're exploitable. Use our calculator to find the right frequencies and build a fundamentally sound pre-flop strategy.
