Table of Contents
Once your opening ranges are solid, the next tool is the 3-bet (re-raise). Used well, it seizes the preflop initiative and grows the pot to maximize value. This guide covers the two 3-bet archetypes and how to design value vs bluff.
Two types of 3-bet
Linear (merged) 3-bet
3-betting your strongest hands top-down. Use it when the opener’s range is wide (e.g., BTN vs SB) and you want value: hands like QQ+, AK, AQs.
Polarized 3-bet
3-betting the two poles — your nuttiest hands and bluffs too good to fold. Use it against tight opens (e.g., UTG). Value is QQ+, AK; bluffs are blockers/playable hands like A5s–A2s, KJs, 76s.
Avoid using “mediocre” hands (AQo, 99) as 3-bet bluffs — they keep their value by calling (or folding) instead.
Why A5s is the ideal bluff
An ace-blocker like A5s lowers the chance the opener holds AA/AK, so you get 4-bet less often. Being suited, it can make the nut flush or straights, so it plays fine postflop when called. That’s the difference between a “just-weak” bluff and a designed one.
3-bet sizing guidelines
| Situation | Approx. 3-bet size |
|---|---|
| In position (e.g., BTN vs CO) | ~3× the open |
| Out of position (e.g., SB vs BTN) | ~4× the open |
| Shallow stacks (≤40bb) | Smaller, with fewer 4-bets |
Sizing up out of position compensates for your positional disadvantage and discourages calls.
Responding when you get 3-bet
- 4-bet — your nuttiest hands (QQ+, AK) plus a few bluffs (A5s).
- Call — in position you can call wide with medium pairs and suited hands.
- Fold — low offsuit broadways and other low-playability hands.
Summary
3-betting isn’t “only premiums” — the key is switching between linear and polarized based on the opener’s range. Pick ace-blockers and suited hands as bluffs, and route mediocre hands to calling. Internalize this and your preflop precision jumps.
Related reading
This article was prepared by the Poker GTO Lab editorial team for educational purposes, drawing on widely published solver outputs, training content, and preflop charts. The ranges and frequencies shown are representative tendencies; the true optimum depends on stack depth, opponents, and table rules. This site does not promote gambling.