Poker Continuation Bet Calculator: Master the C-Bet

The continuation bet is poker's most fundamental post-flop play. Our calculator helps you determine optimal c-bet sizing, frequency, and whether a specific board favors betting or checking.

What Is a Continuation Bet?

A continuation bet (c-bet) is a bet made by the pre-flop aggressor on the flop, continuing their aggression regardless of whether the flop helped their hand. It's both value bet and bluff simultaneously.

Quick Answer: Optimal c-bet frequency is 50-70% heads-up, 30-50% multi-way. Size should be 25-75% of pot depending on board texture. Dry boards (K72r) favor smaller, frequent c-bets. Wet boards (JT9ss) require larger, less frequent c-bets. Your c-bet range should contain both value hands and bluffs—typically 2:1 ratio on most boards.

How to Use Our C-Bet Calculator

Use the Poker Continuation Bet Calculator →

Enter hand details and board texture to get optimal c-bet sizing and frequency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enter Board Cards: Flop texture

2. Input Pot Size: Current pot

3. Select Position: IP or OOP

4. Specify Opponents: Heads-up or multi-way

5. View Recommendation: Size and frequency

Input Fields Explained

Field	Description	Example
Board	Flop cards	K♥ 7♦ 2♣
Pot Size	Current pot	$50
Position	In/out of position	In position
Opponents	Number facing	1
Recommended Size	Optimal bet	$17 (33%)
C-Bet Frequency	How often to bet	70%

C-Bet Sizing by Board Texture

Dry Boards (Unconnected, Rainbow)

Board Example	Sizing	Frequency
K-7-2 rainbow	25-33% pot	70-80%
A-6-2 rainbow	25-33% pot	65-75%
Q-4-3 rainbow	30-40% pot	60-70%

Why small bets work:

• Few draws to protect against
• Opponents have limited calling range
• Small bets achieve same fold equity

Wet Boards (Connected, Suited)

Board Example	Sizing	Frequency
J-T-9 two-tone	60-75% pot	40-50%
8-7-6 rainbow	55-70% pot	45-55%
K-Q-J suited	65-80% pot	35-45%

Why larger bets needed:

• Many draws to charge
• Opponents have wider continuing ranges
• Need to deny equity

Medium Boards

Board Example	Sizing	Frequency
Q-9-4 two-tone	40-50% pot	55-65%
T-7-2 two-tone	35-45% pot	60-70%
A-8-5 rainbow	33-45% pot	55-65%

C-Bet Frequency Guidelines

Heads-Up (IP)

Situation	Frequency
Dry ace-high	70-80%
Dry king-high	65-75%
Paired boards	55-70%
Medium texture	55-65%
Very wet	35-50%

Heads-Up (OOP)

Situation	Frequency
Dry ace-high	55-65%
Dry boards	45-60%
Medium texture	40-55%
Wet boards	25-40%

Multi-Way Pots

Opponents	Frequency Reduction
2 opponents	Reduce by 20-30%
3+ opponents	Reduce by 40-50%

Example:

• HU frequency: 70%
• 3-way frequency: 35-45%

Value-to-Bluff Ratio

Optimal C-Bet Range

Board: K♥ 7♦ 2♣
Bet size: 33% pot (offering 4:1)

Opponent needs 20% equity to call
Your range should be ~80% value, ~20% bluff? No...

Defense frequency: 1 - (bet / (pot + bet))
= 1 - (33 / 133) = 75% defense

Your bluffs should be: hands with equity when called

Simplified Ratios

Board Type	Value : Bluff
Dry	1 : 1
Medium	1.5 : 1
Wet	2 : 1

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Dry Board C-Bet

Situation:

• You raised pre: AK
• Flop: K♥ 8♣ 3♦
• Pot: $30
• Heads-up, in position

Analysis:

• Dry board favors pre-flop raiser
• Small sizing achieves fold equity
• High frequency correct

Action: Bet $10 (33%), c-bet with 75% of range

Example 2: Wet Board Check

Situation:

• You raised pre: A♦Q♦
• Flop: J♣ T♠ 9♥
• Pot: $40
• Heads-up, in position

Analysis:

• Wet board hit opponent's calling range
• You have gutshot but no pair
• Many better hands continue

Action: Check (this hand specifically, but c-bet range still 40-50%)

Example 3: Multi-Way C-Bet

Situation:

• You raised pre: QQ
• Flop: Q♥ 6♣ 2♠
• Pot: $45
• 3-way pot

Analysis:

• Top set on dry board
• But multi-way reduces c-bet frequency
• This specific hand is clear value bet

Action: Bet $20-25 (45-55%), but only c-betting ~35% of total range

Position Impact

In Position Advantages

Factor	Benefit
Last to act	See opponent's action first
Pot control	Can check back
Delayed c-bet	Turn bet option
Information	More data for decisions

Out of Position Adjustments

Adjustment	Reason
Lower frequency	Defensive check range needed
Smaller sizing	Risk less when vulnerable
Stronger value range	Fewer bluffs succeed

Delayed C-Bet

When to Check-Flop, Bet-Turn

Situation	Why Delay
Wet flop, dry turn	Board improved for you
Opponent likely bluffs	Induce aggression
Showdown value hand	Don't need protection
Turn card changes texture	New betting opportunity

Turn C-Bet Sizing

Turn c-bet after flop check:
- Polarized range
- Sizing: 60-75% pot
- Lower frequency than flop c-bet

Double and Triple Barrel

Second Barrel Criteria

Factor	Bet Turn
Turn improves your hand	Yes
Turn scary for opponent	Yes
Opponent showed weakness	Often
Draw completed	Usually no

Third Barrel Criteria

Factor	Bet River
Made hand for value	Yes
Missed draw, blocks calls	Maybe
River completes obvious draws	Usually no
Opponent's range weak	Yes

Common C-Bet Mistakes

1. C-Betting 100% Flops

Mistake: Betting every flop when pre-flop aggressor Problem: Predictable, exploitable, no check range Fix: Check-back weakest hands, some medium hands

2. Same Size Every Board

Mistake: 50% pot regardless of texture Problem: Suboptimal sizing loses value and equity Fix: Adjust sizing to board (25-75% range)

3. C-Betting Multi-Way Like Heads-Up

Mistake: High frequency 3-way Problem: Someone usually connected Fix: Reduce frequency dramatically

4. Never Check-Raising

Mistake: Always leading with strong hands Problem: No protection for check range Fix: Check-raise some value and draws

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I c-bet overall?

50-70% heads-up in position, 35-55% out of position, 25-45% multi-way. Adjust based on board texture and opponent tendencies.

What size c-bet is best?

Small (25-33%) on dry boards, large (55-75%) on wet boards. Most modern strategy favors smaller, more frequent bets.

Should I c-bet with no pair?

Often yes—that's bluffing. Your c-bet range should include air with backdoor draws or blockers. The key is having a balanced range.

When should I check strong hands?

On very wet boards or multi-way, checking some strong hands protects your check range. Also when opponent is likely to bet if you check.

Does opponent type affect c-betting?

Yes. C-bet more vs tight/passive opponents who fold too much. Less vs calling stations. Adjust sizing vs opponents who only respond to certain bet sizes.

What about c-betting paired boards?

Moderate frequency (55-70%). You have more overpairs, opponent less likely to have trips. Size can be smaller since board is dry.

Advanced Concepts

Range Advantage

Range advantage: Whose range benefits from board

Pre-flop raiser has advantage on:
A-K-x, K-Q-x, A-x-x (high cards)

Caller has advantage on:
7-6-5, 8-7-4 (connected low cards)

C-bet more on advantageous boards

GTO vs Exploitative C-Betting

GTO	Exploitative
Balanced value/bluff	Adjust to opponent
Consistent sizing	Size based on opponent
Mixed frequencies	0% or 100% based on reads

Solver-Approved C-Bet Sizing

Modern solvers often prefer:

Very dry boards: 20-25% pot
Semi-dry boards: 33% pot
Medium boards: 50% pot
Wet boards: 66-75% pot

Smaller sizes more frequent
Larger sizes less frequent

Pro Tips

• Board texture is king: Sizing and frequency follow texture

• Position matters: IP allows more aggression

• Multi-way = careful: Dramatically reduce frequency

• Balance your checks: Don't always c-bet your strong hands

• Watch for bet-sizing tells: Opponents often size differently with value vs bluffs

Related Calculators

• Poker Equity Calculator - Hand equity
• Poker EV Calculator - Expected value
• Poker Pot Odds Calculator - Pot odds
• Poker Outs Calculator - Counting outs
• Poker Hand Odds Calculator - Matchup odds

Conclusion

The continuation bet is fundamental to winning poker. Our calculator helps you size bets appropriately and determine optimal frequency based on board texture, position, and number of opponents. Master c-betting by varying your sizing, maintaining balanced ranges, and adjusting to multi-way pots where hitting is more likely.

Calculate Optimal C-Bet Strategy Now →

C-betting correctly separates thinking players from button-pushers. Our calculator guides your post-flop decisions based on the specific situation, helping you extract value when you're ahead and deny equity when bluffing. Master board texture, size appropriately, and watch your win rate climb.