What are continuation bets

A continuation bet, or a C-bet as they are sometimes called, is a bet to reinforce strength. It is called a continuation bet because it comes after a pre-flop raise. Therefore, you would make a continuation bet on the flop.

Why raise pre-flop

Your pre-flop raise indicates strength. It says, I have a powerful hand, so you should let me win the pot. Of course, not all of your opponents will oblige and one or two may actually call your pre-flop raise. This means you need to reinforce your show of strength.

The flop

After the flop you may find that the three cards now face-up in the middle of the table did not help you in the least. However, you have no intention of giving up your hand just yet, especially as it might not have helped your opponents either.

Lets say you are holding A-K and the flop comes 2-8-J. You decide that you will make a continuation bet here, perhaps indicating that you were holding a pair of queens or kings and are not worried about the jack that landed. If your opponents didnt hit the flop, then they are likely to fold and give you the money in the pot. Of course, if one of them is holding a jack (or a pair of eights) then they will be going nowhere.

He who acts last, laughs loudest

The C-bet normally is most effective when you act last. You can see if any of your opponents have indicated any strength and, if not, fire off your bet to get them to fold. When you are acting first, the C-bet can be a little more risky.