IP 3-Bet, Cold Calls, and Postflop

Positions · updated 2026-03-08

Basics of 3-Bet

• 3-bet — re-raise after an open raise.
• 3-bet pot — raise → re-raise → call(s).
• The 3-bet range is influenced by:
• stack depth (25 bb ≠ 100 bb)
• position
• opponent's open raise range
• opponent type (regular / recreational player)
• tournament stage (ICM, PKO)
• recreational players behind you

Recommended 3-Bet Frequencies by Position

Types and Structure of 3-Bet Ranges

• Polarised — strong value + bluffs (BTN, BB, SB):
• Value: JJ+, AQ+, AQs
• Bluffs: A4s, K9s, 98s, etc.
• Linear — strong hands without trash (UTG, MP):
• 88+, AJs+, KQs, AQo+

Range Adjustments

1. Opponent Type - vs Recreational: more value, larger sizing - vs Active regular: more balanced, bluffs with equity
2. Open Raise Width - If opening wider (30% instead of 18%), 3-bet wider
3. Blockers and Equity - A4s blocks AA/AK + has equity - 98s connects low boards, useful for balance

3-Bet Sizings

• Slightly smaller sizings in late positions.

Postflop Strategy in 3-Bet Pots

Barrel Frequencies

Bluff Lines

• Bet–Bet: flop 33%, turn 75%
• Bet–Bet–Bet: flop 33%, turn 66–80%, river situational
• Bet–Check–Bet: cheap bluff or thin value
• Check–Check–Bet: often folds, especially from passive players
• Check–Bet–Bet: effective vs passive players

Value Lines

• Top pair+ = value on all streets
• Without threat — can slow down on the turn

Cold Call

When to Use

• Medium-strength hands that play poorly as 3-bets:
• AXs, suited connectors, pocket pairs, broadways
• Avoid domination: do not cold call AJo, KQo vs EP
• Consider aggressive players behind you

Cold Call Frequencies by Position

Squeeze

• Used against 1+ calls after an open
• Effective with 30 bb+
• Works well from BB and SB vs late positions
• Size:
• 4–4.5x in position
• 5–6x out of position

Fold vs 3-Bet

• Overfolding from early positions is not a mistake
• vs Linear ranges — defend only strong hands

Bet vs Missed C-Bet

• When opponent checks OOP:
• Flop — 33–50%
• Turn — 50–60%
• Bet-vs-missed frequency ≥ 60%
• Very effective vs fields that check flop often

General Tips

• Consider blockers + equity + hand strength
• Do not blindly follow charts — adapt to recreational players, ICM, and the field
• In deep stacks, equity is more important; in short stacks, blockers matter more
• Bet–check–bet and check–check–bet lines are strong exploits
• vs Recreational players — play straightforward: value → bet