4-Bet in Poker Explained

The 4-bet technique in poker refers to the third raise (second re-raise) and overall fourth bet in a specific sequence of wagers.

It might sound simple, but it can be a tricky play to pull off. You need to understand:

• How it works
• When and how to use it
• When to avoid it

We’ll explain that in this quick guide on poker 4-betting.

What Is a 4-Bet?

All poker bets can have numbers assigned to them in games like Hold’em and Omaha:

• The first bet is the big blind.
• The initial raise is a 2-bet.
• The second raise (re-raise) or the third bet overall is a 3-bet.
• The third raise (second re-raise) or the overall fourth bet is a 4-bet.
• The third raise, or the fifth bet, is a 5-bet.

Here’s how to understand when 4-betting happens. Let’s say you raise preflop, which is a 2-bet. Then the player behind you makes the second raise or re-raises (3-bet). Once the action goes back to you, you decide not to call but to make another raise or the second re-raise — that’s a 4-bet.

Players typically use a 4-bet before the flop. It can also occur postflop, but these situations are rare as a 4-bet here usually implies the player has a very strong hand. They are usually all-in at that point, as it would be unusual for someone to be bluffing after a postflop 3-bet.

Generally, preflop 4-bets have less strength than postflop 4-bets. However, most of them are still geared toward value. Some players tend to bluff with a preflop 4-bet to beat a standard aggressive 3-bet strategy.

When to Avoid the 4-Bet Strategy?

The main situation when you need to avoid 4-betting is postflop. However, you also have to learn when to avoid it preflop.

Many players tend to use 4-bet bluffing, but learning when is the right time for that can be tricky. You’ll have to learn how to read your opponents well. Moreover, you must avoid using the 4-bet arbitrarily and in cases when you only feel the moment is right.

4-Bet vs. 3-Bet Strategy

Both of these strategies are used to get value from your strongest hands. You also want to use them to isolate weak players and to bluff against aggressive openers.

Most players agree that it’s wise to fold against a 3-bet around 55% of the time, as long as you’re both playing with a balanced strategy. If players use 3-bets more randomly than they should, it’s better to call them more often.

However, learning when the right moments for all of that are require lots of practice. That’s because both 3-betting and 4-betting are typically adjustments you make to other players’ tactics.

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Conclusion

So, 4-betting is a big part of a good preflop strategy, and every player should learn to use it when they have premium hands. However, there are several other reasons to make a 4-bet, as seen in this guide. Learning how to employ it correctly and avoid using it at random is vital.

Dig deeper into every 4-bet strategy and start practicing it, and in time, you’re bound to get better.

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