3-Betting: The Pre-Flop Re-Raise
A 3-bet is the first re-raise before the flop (a raise, then a re-raise — the third bet). Done right it wins pots immediately, builds big pots with your best hands, and isolates weaker players heads-up.
What a 3-Bet Does
When someone opens and you re-raise, three good things happen:
- You often win it now — they fold and you scoop the pot uncontested
- You build a pot with your strongest hands
- You isolate the opener heads-up, ideally with position
A standard 3-bet size is about 3× the open in position and 4× out of position.
Remember: 3-bets seize the betting lead and force opponents to play a big pot — often out of position, right where they are uncomfortable.
Value and Bluffs: Go Polarized
The best 3-betting range is polarized — your strongest hands plus some bluffs, with little in between:
- Value: QQ+, AK (add JJ and AQ against loose openers)
- Bluffs: hands that block big hands and still play well when called — suited aces (A5s–A2s) and suited connectors
A suited-ace bluff is ideal: the ace blocks AA and AK, and if called you can still make the nut flush. Flatting is fine too — but a 3-bet wins pots that flatting never will.
Remember: 3-bet the top of your range for value plus a few blocker hands as bluffs — not the mediocre middle.
Facing a 3-Bet
When you open and get 3-bet, don't defend too wide:
- 4-bet your very best (QQ+, AK) for value — occasionally as a bluff with an ace blocker
- Call hands that flop well when you'll have position (pairs to set-mine, suited broadways)
- Fold the bottom of your opening range — it was fine to open, but it can't profitably continue
The player without the betting lead, out of position, should tighten up.
Remember: Opening a hand doesn't entitle you to call a 3-bet with it. Fold the weak part of your range.