betting
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.
Example. The cutoff raises to 2.5 bb, the button re-raises to 8 bb — that is a 3-bet.
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.