A preflop value range is usually between 3 and 4.5%. If you play approximately just as many semibluffs as 3-bets for value, then this will be an overall good mixture.<\/p>\n
Some particularities when playing out of position<\/div>\n
So far, we have only discussed things in general. In the following we will go into detail regarding the dynamics of playing out of position. When you are out of position, you have to consider the disadvantage of position. The probability that the villain will call you is usually considerably higher than when you are in position.<\/p>\n
This is logical since your opponent will have position on you after the flop. You should always be aware of this when you are 3-betting out of position. You should also decide beforehand, which boards you are going to contibet, if any.<\/p>\n
At the same time you will have to consider the preflop fold equity. Should you come to the conclusion that neither your preflop bluff nor your postflop bluff will be successful often enough, then just don't do it. In those cases you will have no other choice than to play for value.<\/p>\n
You will also have to pay attention to your mixture in a blind defense. If you only 3-bet for value you will get no payoff. If you bluff too much, then in the long run you will find yourself in unprofitable situations against better opponents too often. So either you will run into problems after the flop out of position or you will have to fold preflop on 4-bets too often.<\/p>\n
How do you play against 3-bets?<\/h1>\n
Now you know how to play 3-bets yourself. What remains is the question of how to react to 3-bets from your opponents. First, as always, you should identify the range you are playing against and then make your decision accordingly.<\/p>\n
Any available information can help you to identify the range. For one the exact stats, that will become statistically relevant at a certain sample size, will help just as much as the player's overall impression:<\/p>\n
Which range do you expect from someone with specific qualities?<\/p>\n
Once you have roughly identified the range, you will have to work out how he might react to any possible action from you and which part of his range he will use. Of course it is also important that you consider what range he will give you for your particular action.<\/p>\n
Naturally you cannot identify the range here in terms of exact hand ranges, but rather in terms of the proportion of semibluffs (pockets, connectors, etc.) and value hands (big aces, big pockets).<\/p>\n
And then, of course, your will again have your three options: raise, call or fold. <\/p>\n
In regard to all of your actions against 3-bets, it is self-evident that the following rule applies: you should not be polarising. If you are 4-betting strong hands then you should every once in a while also 4-bet bluffs (provided your opponent is able to fold). If you are calling medium strong hands, then you should also call weaker hands and monsters from time to time.<\/p>\n
4-Bets<\/div>\n
There are similar reasons in favour of a 4-bet after a 3-bet as there are for the 3-bet itself. Either you have a strong hand and 4-bet with the intention to go all-in, or you want to force your opponent to fold.<\/p>\n
Reasons for 4-betting with a strong hand:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- To balance your 4-bet bluffs.<\/li>\n
- The assumption that your opponent will go broke with many hands with which he is 3-betting.<\/li>\n
- The prevention of own mistakes at the flop.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Reasons for 4-betting as a bluff:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Your opponent believes that you have a strong 4-betting range and thus will fold many hands. Naturally, he will need a relatively loose 3-betting range of his own to do that.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Factors that play a role when making your decision:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Your opponent (how loosely will he go broke?)<\/li>\n
- Your image, especially preflop (many\/few 3-bets\/4-bets) <\/li>\n
\n<\/p><\/ul>\n
Hands qualified for a bluff are: On the one hand, those with which your opponent would go all-in and which make these hands on your opponent's side less likely (e.g. Ax reduces the probability of AA by 50%, and the probability of AK or AQ by 25% each). On the other hand there are those hands, which you can fold on an all-in with confidence . <\/p>\n
A reference value of 2.5 times the 3-bet has proven to be a good 4-betting size. You should start with that.<\/p>\n
Calling a 3-bet<\/div>\n
The expectation of winning more money in the pot from your opponent postflop than you would preflop speaks for calling a 3-bet with a strong hand. This can be the case when the fold equity for a 4-bet is too high, but also when your opponent likes to bluff after the flop.<\/p>\n
Take a look at this example:<\/p>\n
You are UTG and raise 4BB. The SB 3-bets after several folds to 14BB, BB folds. If you were to 4-bet now, you would frequently generate enormous fold equities. If you were to just call, you would often keep those hands in the pot that would otherwise fold preflop and that would often lose a lot of money postflop out of position. If you have a value hand now, then calling would be preferred to 4-betting.<\/p>\n
The expectation of winning the pot unimproved as well of receiving a payoff in case of a hit speaks for calling with a weaker hand. In most cases though, a call would make more sense when in position.<\/p>\n
Reasons for that could be:<\/p>\n
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