Three-bet (3-bet)
Also: 3-bet, re-raise, 3bet
The third bet in a betting round — in pre-flop terms, a re-raise of the opening raise (the big blind counts as the first bet). Three-betting is the main way to build big pots and to punish loose openers.
Three-bets are made for value with premium hands and as bluffs with hands that have good blockers and playability, such as A-5 suited. The mix depends on position: from the blinds a 'polarised' 3-bet range is common, in position a more 'linear' one. Sizing is usually about three times the open in position and closer to four times out of position.
Related terms
Full glossaryFrequently asked questions
What is a three-bet in poker?
The second raise in a betting round — a re-raise. Pre-flop the big blind counts as the first bet, so the opening raise is the second and the re-raise is the third.
Why is the first raise not called a one-bet?
Because the count includes the forced big blind as the first bet of the round. The opening raise is technically the two-bet, though in practice it is just called an open or a raise.
What hands should I three-bet with?
Two groups. Strong hands that want a bigger pot against the opener's calling range, and hands that play well when called and benefit when the opener folds — typically suited connectors and suited aces. A range made only of premium hands is easy for an attentive opponent to play against.
Does a three-bet mean the same thing after the flop?
The counting restarts on each post-flop street, where there is no forced bet. So on the flop, the first bet is the one-bet, a raise is the two-bet, and the re-raise is the three-bet.