Why Your C-Bet is Costing You Chips

We’ve all been there. You put in a solid position opening raise with pocket pairs from early position, the big blind defends, and the flop comes down a disconnected mess. Your brain goes on autopilot. You think, "I was the aggressor, I have to bet."

That’s where the trouble starts.

In the high-stakes environment of poker tournaments, a poorly timed poker continuation bet isn't just a minor hiccup; it’s a leak that can drain your stack before the blinds even start to bite. Continuation betting (c-betting) is arguably the most fundamental post-flop skill, yet it is frequently executed with zero nuance. To dominate the felt, you must move beyond "betting because I raised" and start understanding the "why" behind every chip that crosses the line.

When should you avoid a poker continuation bet?

The most common sin in continuation betting (c-betting) is failing to realize that the flop doesn't care who raised pre flop. It only cares whose range it hits.

When you raise from under-the-gun and the small blind calls, a flop of 789 is a disaster for you. Why? Because the caller’s range is saturated with suited connectors and middling pairs that have smashed that board. Even if you have strong hands like AA, you no longer possess the range advantage.

Players often fire a c-bet here because they feel "entitled" to the pot. However, against a range that contains more straights and two-pairs than yours, your bet frequency should plummet. On static, dry boards like K 72,you can bet wide and small. On dynamic, "drenched" boards, checking is often the most profitable (and safest) play to avoid being check-raised into oblivion.

Why is c-betting out of position so dangerous in tournaments?

There is no place more uncomfortable in a tournament than c-betting out of position. When you are first to act, you are essentially flying blind.

The mistake here is two-fold: betting too often and betting too large. When you are out of position, your opponent has the "last word" on every street. If you fire a c-bet with weaker hands or complete air, a savvy opponent will float you, intending to take the pot away on turns and rivers.

If you find yourself in a pot against the button, you need to be much more selective. You should prioritize checking your medium-strength hands—like middle pair or weak top pairs—to act as a bluff catcher. This protects your checking range and prevents you from bloating a pot when you are likely to be outplayed later in the hand.

What is the ideal c-bet sizing for different stack depths?

In a cash game, you usually have 100 big blinds. In poker tournaments, you might have 60, 30, or 12. Your betting strategy must be elastic enough to account for these stack depths.

A frequent error is using a "standard" half-pot c-bet when you only have 20 big blinds behind. At these depths, every chip is precious. On a dry board, a small bet (25-33% of the pot) often accomplishes the same goal as a larger one: it forces the opponent to fold their "nothing" hands.

Conversely, if you have a massive equity advantage on a draw-heavy board, you need to size up to protect your hand and build a pot while you’re ahead. Don't be the player who bets 1.5 big blinds into a 6-blind pot when the board is 10J2; you are giving your opponents a mathematical invitation to outdraw you.

How to plan your betting strategy for turns and rivers

Too many players treat the c-bet as a standalone event. They fire once on the flop, get called, and then completely shut down on the turn if they don't improve. This is incredibly predictable.

Effective continuation betting (c-betting) requires looking ahead. Before you click "bet" on the flop, ask yourself: Which cards on the turn allow me to keep up the pressure? If you c-bet a flop of Q72 with J10, and the turn brings a K, 9, or any , you have a perfect opportunity to double barrel. If you aren't prepared to follow through on scare cards, your initial flop bet is often just lighting chips on fire. You have to be willing to tell a consistent story across multiple streets.

Should you c-bet with top pairs in multi-way pots?

In a heads-up pot, top pairs are monsters. In a four-way pot, they are often just expensive second-best hands.

The math changes drastically when more players are involved. Your equity advantage shrinks with every additional person in the hand. A common tournament mistake is c-betting into three opponents with a hand like A10 on a 1087 board.

While you have the top pair, the likelihood that someone has flopped a set, a straight, or a massive draw is significantly higher. In multi-way scenarios, your c-betting range should be much tighter and skewed toward your absolute nutted hands. Checking and seeing how the action develops is rarely a mistake when the field is crowded.

Summary of C-Betting Adjustments

Conclusion: Improving Your Post-Flop Success and Range Advantage

The leap from a "fish" to a "shark" in the world of poker tournaments often comes down to the restraint shown on the flop. Stop viewing the poker continuation bet as a mandatory requirement of the pre-flop aggressor. Instead, view it as a surgical tool.

By analyzing the board texture, respecting your opponent's range, and adjusting for stack depths, you transform your game from predictable to formidable. The goal isn't just to win the pot right now—it's to make the most profitable decision for your entire tournament life.

FAQ: Mastering the Poker Continuation Bet

How often should I be c-betting in a typical poker tournament?

There is no "perfect" percentage, but most winning professionals land between 50% and 70%. If you are betting 90% of the time, you are likely over-bluffing and becoming exploitable. If you are under 40%, you are playing too "honestly" and allowing your opponents to fold correctly whenever you finally do put chips in the middle.

What is the best bet size for a continuation bet on a dry flop?

On "dry" or disconnected flops (like A72), a small sizing—roughly 25% to 33% of the pot—is generally most effective. This small sizing puts maximum pressure on your opponent's "air" hands while risking the minimum amount of your stack. It also allows you to bet a wider range of hands profitably.

Should I always c-bet if I have an overpair to the board?

Not necessarily. While an overpair is a strong hand, the board texture still matters. If you have J J on a 987 board, you are vulnerable to many turn cards. Checking back to control the size of the pot and avoid a massive check raise can often be the superior play, especially in deep-stacked tournament stages.

How does being "out of position" change my c-betting strategy?

Being out of position (acting first) is a significant disadvantage. You should check more frequently to protect yourself against players who like to "float" or bluff-raise. Since you lack the information of your opponent's action, your "betting" range should be stronger and more polarized compared to when you are in position.

What should I do if my c-bet gets called and the turn is a "scare card"?

A "scare card" (like an Ace or a card that completes a straight) is actually a prime opportunity to "double barrel" (bet again). If the card improves your perceived range more than your opponent's, a second bet can often force a fold from middle-strength hands. However, if the card clearly hits the defender's range, it’s time to check-fold.

Shane C

Shane is a content writer with over 10 years of writing experience. He specializes in poker and casino games and has been chasing the ultimate poker dream and the excitement of hero calls for the last 15 years! Admittedly, he has yet to win any APT nor WSOP title, but he's not giving up!