The three-bet: re-raising before the flop
A three-bet is the first re-raise before the flop. The blinds count as the first bet, the open raise as the second, and the re-raise as the third. It builds pots with strong hands.
Reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Answer first
90s| Action | Name | Example at $1/$2 |
|---|---|---|
| Big blind | First bet | $2 |
| Open raise | Two-bet | $6 |
| Re-raise | Three-bet | $18 to $24 |
| Re-re-raise | Four-bet | $50 to $60 |
Key numbers
Three-bets in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- A three-bet is the first re-raise before the flop.
- Use larger sizes out of position, since you act first after the flop.
- Mixing in some bluffs, such as suited aces, makes your three-bets harder to read.
- Against a three-bet, fold weak hands and continue with strong ones.
Cheat sheet
Good three-bet hands
Glance the faces — compare in one second.
1Value: Q-Q
Strong enough to build a big pot
2Value: A-K
Dominates many opening hands
3Bluff: A-5 suited
Blocks aces and can make a wheel or flush
Responding to a three-bet
| Your hand | Typical response |
|---|---|
| A-A, K-K | Four-bet |
| Q-Q, A-K | Four-bet or call |
| J-J, T-T, A-Q suited | Call |
| Small pairs, weak suited cards | Often fold |
| Offsuit broadway | Fold out of position |
Depends on stack depth and opponent.
Why three-bet
Calling with strong hands lets weaker hands see a cheap flop. A three-bet charges them more or makes them fold.
It also wins pots right away when the opener gives up.
Sizing examples
| Open | In position three-bet | Out of position three-bet |
|---|---|---|
| $6 | $18 | $24 |
| $10 | $30 | $40 |
| $15 (live) | $45 | $60 |
Live games often use larger sizes.
Live vs online
In live low-stakes games, three-bets are less common and often mean a strong hand. Online, players three-bet more often and with wider ranges.
Adjust to the table you are at.
Sequence
Making a three-bet
Step 01
Check the opener
Tight or loose?
Step 02
Check your position
In or out.
Step 03
Pick the size
3x or 4x.
Step 04
Plan the flop
Know your next move.
Stack depth
With short stacks of 40 big blinds or less, a three-bet often commits you. Many players just move all-in instead.
With deep stacks, three-bet bluffs carry more risk.
Your turn
Raise terms
Two-bet
The first raise.
Three-bet
The first re-raise.
Four-bet
A re-raise of a three-bet.
Range
All hands a player may hold.
Blind defense
From the big blind, three-betting against a late open is a common way to fight back. Use about 4x sizing since you are out of position after the flop.
When a three-bet is called, a small continuation bet of about one third of the pot often works, since the pot is already large.
Three-bet ranges by seat (100 big blinds, online)
| Opener | You on the button | You in the big blind |
|---|---|---|
| Early position | About 4% of hands | About 5% |
| Middle position | About 6% | About 7% |
| Cutoff | About 9% | About 10% |
| Button | — | About 12% |
Rough guides; adjust to each player.
Common mistakes
- Three-betting only aces
- Too easy to read.
- Sizing too small
- It invites calls.
- Bluffing tight players
- They continue strong.
- Calling out of position too often
- Fold or four-bet.
Keep reading
Related pages
Go play
Where to play in Las Vegas
Tap a resort — each row opens that casino’s White Gambling page (hours, poker status, floor facts). Print poker rooms, sorted by published table count.
Open a casino page
Real listings · not adsAfter the 90 seconds
Questions before and after you play
A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.
01Basics
What is a three-bet?
The first re-raise before the flop, after the blinds and an open raise. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Why is it called a three-bet?
The big blind is the first bet, the raise the second, and the re-raise the third.
How big should a three-bet be?
About three times the raise in position and four times out of position. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
02Strategy
Which hands should I three-bet?
Strong pairs and A-K, plus some bluffs like suited aces. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
How often should I three-bet?
Many players three-bet 5% to 10% of hands, less in live games. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
What do I do against a three-bet?
Fold weak hands, call some strong ones and four-bet the best. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
03Rules
Is there a raise cap?
In limit games often yes; in no-limit, no. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
What is a cold three-bet?
A three-bet by a player who had not yet put money in. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Does a three-bet happen after the flop?
The term is mostly used before the flop. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Sources
- Robert’s Rules of Poker Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Raise rules
- PokerNews — 3-bet From the press (News report, not an official registry. Used for dates and events only.) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Definition
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER