4-Bet

Introduction

In poker, mastering the art of betting is as crucial as the cards you’re dealt. At the end, it doesn’t matter which cards you get, what matters the most is what you will do with it!

Among the strategic arsenal available to players is the 4-Bet, a powerful move that can shift the dynamics of the game.

What is a 4-Bet?

Introduction to Betting Rounds

Before delving into the 4-Bet, it’s essential to understand the sequence of bets in poker.

A bet refers to the initial wager made in a betting round.

A raise is when a player increases the bet amount. Following a raise, any subsequent increase in the bet is referred to by the order in which it occurs:

• The first raise is known as a 2-Bet.
• The next raise (a raise back) is termed a 3-Bet.
• A 4-Bet is the act of raising against a 3-Bet.

Strategic Implications of a 4-Bet

The 4-Bet is predominantly used in no-limit Texas Hold’em and is a sign of a very strong hand or a bluff with high potential. It serves multiple strategic purposes:

• Strength Indication: A 4-Bet often signals a player’s confidence in their hand, suggesting they hold premium cards.
• Defensive Tool: It can be used to protect against aggressive opponents, especially those prone to frequent 3-Betting.
• Bluffing Mechanism: In skilled hands, a 4-Bet bluff can exploit opponents’ tendencies to fold against perceived strong ranges.

The Math Behind 4-Betting

To calculate the 4-Bet percentage of a player, you can use the following formula:

Implementing the 4-Bet in Gameplay

Choosing the Right Moments

Successful 4-Betting requires a keen sense of timing and opponent reading. Here are some factors to consider:

• Opponent’s Range: 4-Bet against players with a wide 3-Betting range, as they’re more likely to fold.
• Position: Being in a late position allows you to gather more information before making a 4-Bet.
• Stack Sizes: Effective stack size influences the risk-reward ratio of a 4-Bet, especially in tournament play.

Example Hand

Let’s illustrate a 4-Bet scenario in a no-limit Hold’em game:

Blinds: $10/$20
Dpeetee55 (BTN): $2000
BB (Hero): $2000

Preflop:
Hero is in the BB with T T . Dpeetee55 (BTN) raises to $40, Hero 3-Bets to $110, Dpeetee55 4-Bets to $240, Hero folds.
Dpeetee55 wins the pot.

In this scenario, the Hero’s 3-Bet with T T is met with a 4-Bet from the opponent, indicating a strong range.

The Hero’s decision to fold is reasonable especially if the opponent is known to be tight.

Conclusion

The 4-Bet is a nuanced tool in a poker player’s arsenal, indicative of either a very strong hand or a well-timed bluff.

Understanding when and how to use this tactic can significantly impact your win rate and table image. Like all advanced poker strategies, mastering the 4-Bet requires practice, keen observation, and the ability to read your opponents.