Poker glossary
3-bet
The second raise before the flop — a re-raise of the opening raise.
Also: 3-bet, 3bet, three-bet, 3-bets
A 3-bet is a re-raise before the flop: someone raises, and you raise again.
Why it’s called a 3-bet
Count the bets: the big blind is the first bet, the opening raise is the second, and the re-raise is the third. A re-raise of a 3-bet is a 4-bet, then a 5-bet, and so on.
Example: blinds are 1/2. The player under the gun raises to 6 (the open). The cutoff re-raises to 18. That’s a 3-bet.
After the flop, players sometimes use “3-bet” for the same pattern on any street: a bet, a raise, then a re-raise.
How big should a 3-bet be?
A common guide in No-Limit cash games:
- In position (you’ll act after the raiser on later streets): about 3 times the open.
- Out of position (usually from the blinds): about 4 times the open.
Against a raise to 6, that’s about 18 in position and 24 from the blinds.
Which hands to 3-bet
- For value: big hands that want more money in, like A-A, K-K, Q-Q and A-K.
- As a bluff: hands that block strong hands and still play well when called, like suited aces (A♠5♠) and some suited connectors.
If you only ever 3-bet aces and kings, observant players will fold to you every time. Mixing in a few bluffs keeps your 3-bets profitable.
Learn more in the 3-betting lesson and playing 3-bet pots.