The Mechanics of C-Betting with Phemo

In the world of poker, understanding the intricacies of betting strategies can significantly influence your success at the tables. One crucial aspect of this is the continuation bet, commonly known as the c-bet. This article explores the mechanics of c-betting, offering insights from renowned poker player and coach Manuel Bueno Fernandez, also known as Phemo.

What is a C-Bet? A continuation bet is a follow-up wager made by the player who was the last to act aggressively on the previous betting round.
Importance of Value and Bluffs: Effective betting relies on a balance between value hands and bluffs.
Range Filtering: Understanding how bets filter ranges is critical for making profitable decisions.

Understanding the Continuation Bet

A continuation bet occurs when a player who raised preflop places a bet on the flop. This strategy can also apply to subsequent streets, such as the turn and river. The essence of a c-bet lies in the player’s ability to maintain aggression while assessing the strength of their opponent’s hand.

Phemo emphasizes that “bets are primarily constructed from value.” This means that players should focus on betting hands that have a strong chance of winning. However, simply having value hands isn’t enough. Phemo notes, “bluffs are added, forcing your opponent to pay off your value hands.” Without sufficient value, bluffing can become counterproductive.

The Importance of Expected Value (EV)

To maximize profits, players must ensure that their opponents are calling with worse hands frequently enough. Phemo states, “Bets generate EV if your opponent is calling worse hands at a sufficient frequency.” If your opponent only calls with better hands, you’re effectively losing money.

Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF)

One key concept in understanding c-betting is Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF). MDF refers to the proportion of a player’s range that must continue when facing a bet to prevent the opponent from gaining an easy expected value. While players might adjust their defense based on the situation, the fundamental idea remains: a portion of the range continues while the other folds.

When a player makes a bet, it filters the opponent’s range, just as the opponent’s bet filters the bettor’s range. This dynamic is crucial in determining the effectiveness of your c-bets.

Analyzing a C-Bet Scenario

Consider a situation where you’re in the Big Blind, and the Button raises preflop. The flop comes down 9c 5d 3h. You check, and the Button makes a c-bet of 30% of the pot. This scenario allows us to examine how different bet sizes impact range filtering.

According to a Lucid Poker chart analyzing the Big Blind versus Button in a single-raised pot, a 30% pot c-bet leads to specific actions from the Big Blind:

29% of hands are folded.
19% of hands are raised.
51% of hands are called.

When facing a small bet, the Big Blind’s continuing range is typically weak, as they will fold hands like K8o and Q6o. When the bet is called, it often strengthens the defending player’s range, indicating that they possess hands with enough value to justify the investment.

Impact of Bet Size

As the bet size increases, the impact on the defending player’s range becomes more pronounced. If the Button raises the bet to 70% of the pot, the Big Blind’s actions change significantly:

Folding increases to 45%, eliminating around 125 additional combos.
Hands like [22] and [44], which were previously made hands, are now folded.
Typical high-frequency check-raise bluffs like [T6s] and [J6s] become pure folds.

This illustrates how a larger bet filters out more of the defending player’s range. However, on a dry board like 9c 5d 3h, a 70% pot bet might not be optimal. Instead, an overbet of 133% pot can be more effective.

Overbet Dynamics

When the Button opts for an overbet, the Big Blind’s response is even more drastic. Facing a 133% pot c-bet, the Big Blind folds an even larger portion of their range:

Made hands like [66] and [77] are now folded.
Some weaker hands, including 5x and 3x, also become indifferent.
Only the strongest made hands and hands that can still improve remain in the Big Blind’s continuing range.

This demonstrates that the size of the bet not only filters the defending player’s range but also influences the bettor’s range. A well-structured c-bet strategy can thus dictate the flow of the game and enhance a player’s profitability.

Conclusion

Mastering the mechanics of c-betting is essential for any serious poker player. By understanding the dynamics of range filtering, expected value, and the impact of bet sizes, players can make more informed decisions at the tables. Phemo’s insights serve as a valuable guide for enhancing your c-betting strategy, ensuring you can navigate various situations effectively.

Reader Q&A

What is the primary purpose of a continuation bet?

The primary purpose of a continuation bet is to maintain aggression and pressure on your opponent, while also capitalizing on the strength of your hand.

How does bet size influence a player’s range?

Bet size significantly influences a player’s range by filtering out weaker hands. Larger bets tend to force more folds, while smaller bets may allow for wider continuing ranges.

What should players focus on when making a c-bet?

Players should focus on balancing their value hands with bluffs and ensuring their opponents are calling with worse hands frequently enough to generate positive expected value.