3-bet Basics — value, bluffs, sizing, mistakes

A 3-bet is the third bet in the preflop sequence.

1. Someone opens (this is the 2-bet).
2. You re-raise (this is the 3-bet).

Example: UTG raises, you re-raise on the Button. That re-raise is a 3-bet.

Why you 3-bet

• Value: you have a strong hand and want action.
• Fold equity: you make weaker hands fold and win the pot now.
• Isolation: you push out players behind and play heads-up more often.
• Initiative: you become the aggressor and can c-bet many flops.

Value 3-bets vs bluff 3-bets

Value 3-bets

These hands are happy to get called and often want to play a bigger pot.

• Common examples: QQ+, AK
• Often included depending on spot: JJ, AQ

Bluff 3-bets

These hands usually prefer Villain to fold, but still have decent playability if called.

• Good bluff candidates are often suited and/or block strong hands.
• Common examples: A5s–A2s, KTs, QTs (depends on positions)

What makes a good bluff 3-bet hand?

• Blockers: having an ace or king reduces the chance Villain has AA/KK/AK.
• Playability: suited and connected hands can make strong draws.
• Not great as a call: some hands perform better as 3-bets than as flat calls.

Position matters a lot

3-betting is easier in position and harder out of position.

• IP: you realize equity better and can apply pressure on later streets.
• OOP: you face tougher decisions and should usually 3-bet a bit tighter.

3-bet sizing (simple defaults)

Sizing depends on whether you are in position and whether there are callers.

Versus one open raise (no callers)

• In position: about 3x the open size
• Out of position: about 4x the open size

Versus an open + callers

Add extra size to punish callers and reduce multiway play.

• Rule of thumb: base size + 1x open for each caller
• Example: open 2.5bb, 1 caller, you are IP → around 2.5bb × 3 + 2.5bb = 10bb (roughly)

Use sizing that makes sense for your games. The goal is consistent pressure and clear decisions.

Value vs bluff ratio (beginner-friendly)

Beginners should keep it simple:

• 3-bet mostly for value.
• Add a few bluff 3-bets from late position.

If you are unsure, choose a strategy that is hard to punish: value-heavy 3-bets.

Common 3-bet spots

Button vs Cutoff open

Great spot for a mix of value 3-bets and a few bluff 3-bets, because you have position.

Small Blind vs Button open

Common spot to 3-bet more often because calling puts you OOP in a tough single-raised pot.

Vs early position opens

3-bet tighter. Their opening range is stronger and you get called by better hands more often.

Common mistakes

• 3-betting junk with no blockers and no playability.
• 3-betting too small, giving great pot odds and creating multiway pots.
• Only 3-betting premiums, becoming predictable.
• Bluff 3-betting too much vs players who call a lot.
• Not having a plan vs a 4-bet (know what you continue with).

Mini checklist (before you 3-bet)

1. What position am I in? IP or OOP?
2. What is their opening range? early = strong, late = wide.
3. Is my hand value or bluff?
4. What is my sizing? 3x IP, 4x OOP (adjust for callers).
5. What will I do if they 4-bet?

Next step: 3-bet Decisions

Try 3-bet Decisions to practice value vs bluff 3-bets, choose sizes fast, and build good habits.