4Bet Explained: Your 2024 Guide

What is a 4Bet? – The Basics

Understanding Betting Rounds in Poker

Poker betting rounds are fundamental to the game. After the initial dealing of cards, players have opportunities to bet, call, raise, or fold. Understanding these rounds – pre-flop, flop, turn, and river – is crucial for grasping more advanced concepts like the 4Bet.

Defining a 3Bet and its Purpose

Before diving into the 4Bet, let's define a 3Bet. A 3Bet is a re-raise following an initial raise. For example, if Player A raises, and Player B re-raises, Player B has made a 3Bet. The purpose of a 3Bet is to build the pot, isolate weaker players, and gain information about your opponent's hand strength.

What Exactly is a 4Bet? (Re-raise of a Re-raise)

A 4Bet is simply a re-raise of a re-raise. Continuing the previous example, if Player B 3Bets, and Player A re-raises again, Player A has made a 4Bet. It’s an aggressive move designed to put maximum pressure on your opponent. Understanding a 4bet game can significantly improve your overall poker strategy.

Why Players Make 4Bets – Common Motivations

Players employ 4Bets for a variety of reasons. These include having a very strong hand (like Aces or Kings), attempting a bluff to take down the pot immediately, or trying to narrow the field of players. A calculated 4Bet. can be incredibly effective in controlling the narrative of a hand.

4Betting Ranges – Building Your Strategy

Range Construction for 4Betting – Value vs. Bluffs

Constructing a strong 4Bet range requires balance. It should include both hands you want to get all-in with for value (strong pairs, AK) and hands you can use as bluffs to represent strength.

Premium Hands for 4Betting (AA, KK, QQ, AK) – When to Always 4Bet

Hands like Aces (AA), Kings (KK), Queens (QQ), and Ace-King (AK) are prime candidates for 4Betting. These hands have high equity and can withstand significant pressure. Often, you’ll want to 4Bet these hands consistently to build a pot and extract maximum value.

Marginal Hands in a 4Betting Range – Expanding your Strategy

Beyond premium hands, incorporating some marginal hands into your 4Bet range can make you less predictable. Hands like suited connectors (e.g., 98s) or suited Aces can be good candidates to mix in, particularly as bluffs.

Polarized vs. Linear 4Betting Ranges – Which to Choose & Why

A polarized range consists of very strong hands and complete bluffs. A linear range includes a wider spectrum of hands, blending some strong hands with medium-strength holdings. Polarized ranges are generally preferred, especially against unknown opponents.

Adjusting Your 4Bet Range Based on Position (BTN, CO, SB, BB)

Your position at the table significantly influences your 4Betting range. You can 4Bet more liberally from late position (Button, Cutoff) where you have more information and control. From early position (Small Blind, Big Blind), a tighter range is typically recommended.

Reading Your Opponent & 4Betting – Exploitative Play

Opponent Type & Their 3Betting Frequency

Observing your opponent’s tendencies is crucial for successful 4Betting. Are they a loose, aggressive player who 3Bets frequently, or a tight, passive player who rarely raises? Knowing their 3Betting frequency informs your strategy.

Identifying Passive vs. Aggressive Players

Passive players tend to call more often and rarely raise. Aggressive players, conversely, raise frequently and put a lot of pressure on opponents. Adjust your 4Betting strategy accordingly.

How to Exploit Tight/Loose 3Betters with 4Bets

Against tight 3Betters, you can 4Bet more aggressively, knowing they likely have a strong hand. Against loose 3Betters, focus on value 4Bets and avoid getting into large pots with weak holdings.

4Betting as a Read - Signs Your Opponent is Vulnerable

Watch for tells – both physical (in live poker) and betting patterns. If a player hesitates before 3Betting, or if their 3Bet size is inconsistent, they may be vulnerable to a 4Bet.

Understanding Stack Depth & its Impact on 4Betting

Stack depth (the amount of chips players have relative to the blinds) profoundly impacts 4Betting strategy. Deeper stacks allow for more complex post-flop play and necessitate careful consideration of implied odds when making a 4Bet.

4Bet Sizing – How Much to Re-Raise?

Standard 4Bet Sizing – Common Guidelines (2.2x - 2.8x the 3Bet)

A common 4Bet size falls within the range of 2.2x to 2.8x the 3Bet amount. This size is large enough to put pressure on your opponent but not so large that it discourages calls with strong hands.

Adjusting 4Bet Size Based on Board Texture

Consider the board texture. On dry boards, you can use smaller 4Bet sizes. On wet, coordinated boards, a larger size may be appropriate to protect your hand.

Overbetting 4Bets – When and Why to Use This Aggressive Tactic

Overbetting a 4Bet (raising larger than the pot) is a highly aggressive tactic used to maximize fold equity. It’s best employed against opponents who are likely to fold to pressure and can be effective in situations where you have a significant range advantage or a strong blocking hand.

Sizing to Deny Equity – Maximizing Fold Equity

Sizing your 4Bet appropriately can deny your opponent equity. A larger 4Bet makes it more difficult for them to call with speculative hands.

Considering Opponent’s Calling Range and Stack Sizes

Always consider your opponent’s likely calling range and stack sizes when determining your 4Bet size. A larger 4Bet against a shorter-stacked opponent may force them all-in.

4Betting in Different Game Formats

4Betting in No-Limit Hold'em (NLHE) – Cash Games vs. Tournaments

4Betting strategy in NLHE varies between cash games and tournaments. In cash games, you can play more aggressively. In tournaments, you need to consider the implications of chip preservation and tournament structure.

4Betting in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) - Differing Range Considerations

PLO ranges are wider than NLHE ranges, and 4Betting strategy reflects this. You’ll 4Bet more liberally in PLO, as the game is more action-oriented.

Online vs. Live Poker – Adapting Your 4Bet Strategy

Online poker allows for more detailed tracking of opponent tendencies. Live poker requires you to rely on physical tells and table image. Adjust your 4Betting strategy accordingly.

4Betting in Short Deck Hold'em – Unique Dynamics

Short Deck Hold'em has different dynamics due to the smaller deck, resulting in more frequent stronger hands. 4Betting ranges are generally wider and more aggressive in this format.

Facing a 4Bet – What to Do?

Calling a 4Bet – Evaluating Your Hand & Pot Odds

When facing a 4Bet, carefully evaluate your hand strength and pot odds. If you have a strong hand with good implied odds, calling may be the best option.

5Betting (Re-Raising a 4Bet) – Bluffing and Value Bets

A 5Bet is a re-raise of a 4Bet. You can 5Bet for value with very strong hands, or as a bluff to represent a monster.

Folding to a 4Bet – Knowing When to Cut Your Losses

Knowing when to fold to a 4Bet is crucial. If you have a weak hand and face a large 4Bet from an aggressive player, folding is often the correct play.

Understanding Your Opponent's 4Betting Tendencies When Facing One

Again, opponent history matters. If they frequently bluff 4Bet, you can call more liberally. If they only 4Bet with premium hands, proceed with caution.

5Bet Sizing Considerations

When 5Betting, aim for a size that denies your opponent equity and maximizes value. A common size is 2.2x to 2.5x the 4Bet.

Advanced 4Betting Concepts (2024 Trends)

Floating the Flop After a 4Bet – A Complex Play

Floating the flop involves calling a 4Bet with a weak hand and then attempting to take down the pot on the turn or river. This is a complex play that requires strong reading skills.

Using Merge Ranges in your 4Betting Strategy

A merge range includes hands that are both value hands and bluffs. This makes your 4Betting strategy more difficult to read.

The Impact of Solvers & GTO on 4Betting (brief overview)

Game Theory Optimal (GTO) solvers have significantly influenced 4Betting strategy. Solvers provide insights into optimal ranges and sizing, helping players make more informed decisions.

4Betting Light – Expanding Your Bluffing Range

4Betting light involves bluffing with hands that have limited showdown value. This can be a powerful tactic, but it requires careful consideration of board texture and opponent tendencies.

Recognizing and Exploiting 4Betting Tells (Live Poker)

In live poker, be observant of physical tells that may indicate a bluff 4Bet or a strong hand. These can include hand tremors, bet sizing tells, and eye movements. While keeping an eye on your opponent, don’t forget to look at the ipl table 2024 for some light entertainment! And if you are also into cricket betting, be sure to keep up to date with the ipl point table 2024!