Understanding 4-Bets in Poker: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

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Introduction to 4-Bets in Poker

A 4-bet in poker is one of the more aggressive and advanced betting strategies, primarily used before the flop to exert pressure on your opponents or to maximize the value of your strong starting hands. Although not as common as standard raises or 3-bets, mastering the art of the 4-bet can give you a significant edge, especially in cash games with deep stacks or higher-level online games. In this guide, we’ll explore what 4-bets are, when and how to use them, and the strategic considerations for both value and bluff scenarios.

Defining the 4-Bet: How Does It Fit Into Poker Betting Rounds?

A 4-bet occurs when a player raises after a 3-bet has been made. Here is a breakdown to clarify the sequence:

• The first bet is typically the initial raise (sometimes called a 2-bet, though this term isn’t widely used).
• The next raise by another player is known as a 3-bet.
• If a third player, or even one of the previous bettors, raises once more, this move is called a 4-bet.

The 4-bet is almost always a preflop tactic, serving as a strong signal of hand strength. Players who make this move are typically willing to risk a significant portion, or even all, of their stack. However, experienced players may mix in some bluffing hands to prevent opponents from playing predictably against them.

4-Bet Situations: An Example from Cash Games and Tournaments

Let’s examine a typical tournament situation—as you might find at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) or in a popular online poker room—where stacks are about 60 big blinds deep:

• Player A raises to 2.5 big blinds.
• Player B in the big blind 3-bets to 9 big blinds.
• Player A then decides to 4-bet to 20 big blinds—a relatively conservative amount.

Now, if Player B calls, the pot quickly swells to 40 big blinds, and neither player has much room left for nuanced post-flop strategy since the remaining stacks are about equivalent to the pot size.

This dynamic is why you’ll encounter 4-bets more frequently in deep-stacked cash games where 100 or more big blinds per player allow for more flexibility and strategy after the flop.

Strategic 4-Betting: When Is the Right Time?

Because 4-betting is such a strong move, you should use it with care. Generally, reserve your 4-bets for elite starting hands, such as:

• Pocket Aces (AA) and Pocket Kings (KK): These are the most common and profitable 4-bet hands, especially against opponents likely to respond aggressively.
• Ace-King Suited (AKs): Widely regarded as the best unpaired hand. With exceptionally deep stacks, AKs may sometimes be played more passively, but often remains a great 4-bet candidate.

You can extend your range slightly against highly aggressive opponents who 3-bet frequently, adding hands like Pocket Queens, Pocket Jacks, Ace-Queen Suited (AQs), and even Ace-King Offsuit (AKo). Your goal in these cases is to capitalize on their wider, weaker ranges by putting them to a difficult decision.

Essential Factors for 4-Bet Bluffing

Before attempting a 4-bet bluff, consider:

• Stack Depth: Make sure you’re deep enough to make a 4-bet bluff without being pot-committed.
• Opponent Tendencies: Only target players who 3-bet with a broad range of hands. Bluffing against tight players rarely works.
• Readiness for Post-Flop Action: Be comfortable playing large pots after the flop if your bluff is called; don’t attempt this strategy if your post-flop skills aren’t sharp.

Successful 4-bet bluffing requires situational awareness and a plan for post-flop decisions.

Common Errors and Pitfalls with 4-Betting

Avoiding the frequent mistakes associated with 4-bets is vital for long-term success:

• Mistakenly Assuming Wide 3-Betting Ranges: Don’t overestimate how loose your opponent is unless you have strong evidence from repeated play.
• Improper Bet Sizing:
  • Overly large 4-bets telegraph your intentions and commit you unnecessarily. Usually, a 4-bet of about 2.2x the size of the 3-bet achieves the desired result while preserving post-flop flexibility.
  • Under-sizing allows opponents to call profitably with a wide range, providing little information and risking unfavorable outcomes.
• Neglecting Other Players: Before making a 4-bet, consider players yet to act—especially those with small stacks who might shove all-in unexpectedly.

Summary Table: Typical 4-Bet Value Hands

Utilizing 4-Bets as a Bluffing Strategy

Top players incorporate 4-bet bluffs to remain unpredictable and prevent opponents from exploiting them. Typical bluffing scenarios include:

• Targeting opponents who frequently 3-bet with weak or speculative hands.
• Challenging players who 3-bet more often from the blinds or late positions, where their ranges are wider.

Hands suited for 4-bet bluffs generally have at least one “blocker”—such as a small suited ace (A2s–A5s)—or have strong potential post-flop (e.g., suited connectors like 7♠8♠ or 8♥9♥). These give you the benefit of reducing the combos your opponent may have and providing some equity if called.

Maximizing Value with 4-Bets

The most fundamental use of the 4-bet is value extraction. When you are dealt a premium starting hand, use 4-bets to inflate the pot before the flop and maximize your profits against second-best hands. These scenarios almost always warrant a strong 4-bet:

• AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo: Go for a bigger size with hands like AK and QQ to reduce multi-way pots, while slightly smaller sizing with AA/KK can invite more action, as these hands are more robust across various flop textures.

Sensible sizing sustains your stack for future betting streets while pressuring opponents into making tough decisions.

Advanced Concepts: Adjusting Your 4-Betting Strategy

As you become more comfortable with 4-bets, you’ll realize that advanced play isn’t just about execution preflop. You must also consider:

• Post-Flop Planning: Know when to apply further aggression versus when to take a step back and control the pot.
• Adapting to Tougher Opponents: At higher stakes or against skilled competition, opponents will not simply fold to 4-bets. Adjust your hand selection and frequencies accordingly to remain elusive.
• Meta Game Adjustments: As your image develops at the table, mix in more bluffs or value bets based on how opponents perceive your play.

Remember, 4-betting is a high-variance maneuver. Mistakes serve as valuable learning tools as you refine your strategy.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the 4-Bet

Understanding and implementing 4-bets can elevate your poker strategy, especially as you move up in competition. Start by applying strong fundamentals: only 4-bet your absolute best hands and selectively introduce well-timed bluffs against predictable opponents. As your experience grows, so will your ability to pick the right spots and make 4-betting a reliable weapon in your poker arsenal. Practice, evaluation, and disciplined adjustments will set you apart at the tables.