3 betting theory in cash
Hey all, just wondering how you go about 3 betting in cash games? I play 1/3, 2/3, and maybe once in a while 2/5.
1/3 tends to be a limp fest and very nitty tight weak pre flop play. I’ll normally raise over lllimpers with value but may throw in some spicy hands like a K5 suited, A5 suited A4 suited etc if I think I can get it down to 1-2 players and play in position.
2-3 Deep game with straddle. People tend to call more and play a tad more aggro (less aggro than 2/5 pre). Is it wrong to try and iso with hands like QKo with a 3 bet? Normally if I can target a player calling too wide and bets that are even bigger than normal, I may size up and try to play pots in position. Is it wrong to 3! This over one raiser (say it’s over a straddle) or should we hold that for a hand that might go raise, call call or 1 call behind the first raise?
I like to try and get in spots where we play heads up when possible and not against say 2-4 villians bc it’s much harder to win pots with a bluff etc, thoughts? Honestly I think I take it too far in cash sometimes and go too aggro at times when I’m not hitting value (good card distribution). Think I try to take too many spots at times which is -ev
4 Replies
Very villain dependent.
The tighter a player opens, the tighter my 3bet range.
A player opening wide, I'd 3bet lighter than normal.
A fish opens, I might 3bet any playable hand to iso. Might make it smaller than normal to keep pot smaller w/a wider range.
Position is everything in 3bet pots. When we are oop we try to go bigger w/ the 3bet sizes. Ip, we can just go 3x.
Yeah it's very opponent-dependant. If there are any tight ranges you have to be more cautious and stick to 3-betting a strong value range.
On the other hand you get these spots where there's a loose open and cascade of loose calls behind, where it's very unlikely anyone has much. In those sorts of spots you can attack much more aggressively with a wider range, assuming they'll mostly fold to a large 3-bet or call and play fit or fold postflop.
This question is way too broad to get any meaningful answers. It depends. On so many things. Not just Vs, but also stacks, game dynamics, our image, etc, etc., etc.
In general, 3bet linear because you will get called. You can open light because you won’t get 3bet often enough.
Expect 3bets & 4bets to be value.
This script can flip with tightening up your opens, and 3betting wide if they’re over-folding. I think a lot of people get too wide though, and cause themselves trouble thinking they’re isolating.
As others have said, specifics matter
Be careful not to level yourself into fancy play syndrome. Have reasons…
