Poker strategy guide · 6 min
3-bet defense
Facing a three-bet is not a simple hand-strength test. Good defense starts with position, opening range, sizing, and how well the hand can continue after the flop.
Start with the range that opened
A cutoff open can defend more hands than an under-the-gun open because the cutoff range begins wider. Before calling, four-betting, or folding, compare the defended hand to the range you were supposed to open.
Position changes realization
In position, suited broadways, pairs, and suited connectors can see turns and rivers more often. Out of position, dominated offsuit hands lose value quickly because they face more pressure with less information.
Four-bets need value and blockers
A four-bet range should contain hands that can stack off for value and selected bluffs that block the opponent’s strongest continues. Random aggression creates expensive pots with hands that cannot withstand a shove.
Practice prompts
- Compare button versus big blind and cutoff versus small blind three-bet defense at 100 big blinds.
- Choose one suited ace and one offsuit broadway hand. Explain why one realizes equity better after calling.
- List the value hands and blocker bluffs in a four-bet range before checking a chart.