4-Betting Strategy in Poker
The Complete Guide to Pre-Flop Re-Re-Raising: Mastering High-Stakes Pre-Flop Warfare
What is a 4-Bet?
A 4-bet is the fourth betting action in a pre-flop raising sequence. Following the established poker terminology, the blinds constitute the first bet, the initial open-raise is the second bet, the 3-bet is the re-raise, and the 4-bet is the re-raise of the 3-bet. This advanced pre-flop concept represents a significant escalation in pot size and commitment, typically signaling extreme strength or a well-constructed bluff.
Understanding 4-betting is essential for any player looking to compete at higher stakes or against aggressive opponents. While 3-betting has become standard in modern poker, the 4-bet represents the next level of pre-flop warfare. According to research published in the Artificial Intelligence journal analyzing poker AI strategies, balanced 4-betting ranges are crucial for preventing exploitation at the highest levels of play.
At 100 big blind (bb) stacks, a typical 4-bet sequence might look like this: Player A opens to 3bb, Player B 3-bets to 10bb, and Player A 4-bets to 24bb. At this point, approximately 25% of the effective stack is already committed, dramatically limiting the remaining strategic options and often turning the hand into a shove-or-fold decision.
The Complete Betting Sequence
- 1-bet: Posting blinds (small blind + big blind)
- 2-bet: The initial open-raise (voluntary raise)
- 3-bet: Re-raising the open-raise
- 4-bet: Re-raising the 3-bet (this guide's focus)
- 5-bet: Re-raising the 4-bet (almost always all-in)
Why 4-Betting Matters
A properly constructed 4-betting strategy provides several critical strategic advantages that separate winning players from those who merely react to aggression:
Maximizing Value with Premium Holdings
When you hold AA or KK, building the largest possible pot pre-flop is almost always optimal. These hands have such significant equity advantages against 3-betting ranges that you want maximum money in before the flop. As explained in our poker equity guide, pocket aces have approximately 85% equity against a random hand and still maintain 65-75% equity against typical 3-betting ranges.
Flat-calling with premium pairs against 3-bets is a significant leak for many players. While trapping has occasional merit, you generally build more expected value (EV) by 4-betting, which accomplishes two profitable outcomes: either your opponent folds (you win a nice pot uncontested) or they call/shove (you get maximum value with your equity advantage).
Countering Aggressive 3-Bettors
Modern poker features many players who 3-bet aggressively with wide ranges. Against these opponents, only calling lets them realize their strategy's full potential. 4-betting forces them to either fold marginal 3-bets (exploiting their light 3-betting) or continue with hands that are dominated by your value range.
Data from major poker training sites like Upswing Poker shows that optimal 4-betting frequencies increase significantly against opponents with 3-bet percentages above 8%. If someone 3-bets 12%+ of hands, your 4-betting range should expand considerably to punish their aggression.
Maintaining Range Balance
If you only 4-bet AA and KK, observant opponents will exploit you by folding everything except their strongest holdings when you 4-bet, and calling your 3-bet defense with hands that play well post-flop. By including strategic bluffs in your 4-betting range, you prevent opponents from playing perfectly against you.
As discussed in our GTO poker strategy guide, game theory optimal play requires balanced ranges at every decision point. Your 4-betting range should contain enough bluffs that opponents cannot profitably fold everything except premiums, but not so many bluffs that you become exploitable by aggressive 5-bettors.
Value 4-Betting: Getting Maximum with Premiums
Value 4-betting involves re-raising the 3-bettor with hands that want action because they have significant equity advantages against the hands that will continue. The core of any 4-betting range is built around these premium holdings.
The Premium 4-Bet Hands
| Hand | 4-Bet Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AA | Always 4-bet for value | Best starting hand; never slow-play pre-flop in 3-bet pots |
| KK | Always 4-bet for value | Second-best hand; folds out dominated hands while extracting value |
| Usually 4-bet for value | 4-bet vs most 3-bets; consider calling against very tight 3-bettors | |
| AKs | 4-bet for value or call | Equity runout against wide 3-bet ranges; great blocker effects |
| AKo | 4-bet for value or fold | Less playable post-flop than suited; better as a 4-bet than call |
| JJ | Position and opponent dependent | 4-bet vs aggressive opponents; call vs tight ranges to set-mine |
Stack Depth Considerations
Stack depth dramatically affects 4-betting decisions. At 100bb effective stacks, the standard approach involves 4-betting for value and committing with premium hands. However, at different stack depths, strategies shift:
- 60-80bb stacks: 4-bet/fold becomes more common; less room for post-flop maneuvering
- 100bb stacks: Standard value 4-betting with AA/KK/QQ/AK; occasional calls with JJ/TT/AQs
- 150bb+ stacks: More calling occurs as implied odds increase; can call with wider ranges
Understanding how stack sizes affect strategy is crucial for optimal 4-betting decisions. The Stack-to-Pot Ratio (SPR) after a 4-bet at 100bb effective is typically under 2, meaning most hands become shove-or-fold on any flop.
Light 4-Betting: Strategic Bluffs
A light 4-bet is a re-raise over a 3-bet with a hand that doesn't qualify as premium but has strategic merit as a bluff. Understanding when and how to 4-bet light separates advanced players from intermediate ones and is essential for maintaining balanced, unexploitable ranges.
Why 4-Bet Light?
According to game theory principles documented by the PokerStrategy.com educational platform, a balanced 4-betting range should contain approximately one bluff for every two value hands. This ratio prevents opponents from exploiting you by always folding to 4-bets or always continuing. When your 4-bet range is balanced, opponents face difficult decisions regardless of their holdings.
Ideal Light 4-Bet Hands
The best light 4-bet candidates share several characteristics: strong blocker effects, decent equity when called, and poor playability in a flat-called 3-bet pot:
| Hand Category | Examples | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Suited wheel aces | A5s, A4s, A3s, A2s | Block AA/AK; have nut flush potential if called; fold to 5-bet |
| Broadway blockers | KQs, KJs, ATs | Block calling hands (KK, QQ, AK); playable when called |
| Suited connectors | 76s, 87s | Poor as flat-call; strong post-flop equity structure |
| Ace blockers | AJo, ATo | Reduce AA/AK combos in opponent's range; poor multiway |
Blocker Theory in 4-Betting
Blockers are cards you hold that reduce the probability of opponents holding specific hands. In 4-betting, blockers are crucial because they directly affect how often your bluff succeeds. As detailed in our blocker theory guide, holding an Ace removes 75% of AA combos (from 6 to 1.5 effective combos) and 50% of AK combos (from 16 to 8).
When 4-bet bluffing, you want to block hands that would continue against your 4-bet (AA, KK, QQ, AK) while not blocking hands that would fold (JJ, TT, AQs, suited connectors). This is why A5s is considered a superior 4-bet bluff compared to KK-blocker hands in some configurations.
Key Blocker Principles for 4-Betting
- Ace blockers: Remove 75% of AA combos and 50% of AK combos
- King blockers: Remove 75% of KK combos and 50% of AK combos
- Queen blockers: Remove 75% of QQ combos (third-strongest continuing hand)
- Combined blockers: AK blocks both AA and KK but is better as value
Optimal 4-Bet Sizing
Proper 4-bet sizing balances several factors: maximizing fold equity with bluffs, building value with premiums, and maintaining consistent sizing regardless of hand strength to prevent tells. The goal is to make opponents indifferent between their options while you profit from your strategic advantage.
Standard Sizing Guidelines
The generally accepted 4-bet size is 2.2x to 2.5x the 3-bet. This range accomplishes several objectives:
- Creates sufficient fold equity to make bluffs profitable
- Builds a pot size that commits stacks with value hands
- Maintains appropriate risk/reward ratios at standard stack depths
| Situation | 3-Bet Size | Recommended 4-Bet | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Position | 10bb | 22-23bb (2.2x) | Positional advantage allows smaller sizing |
| Out of Position | 10bb | 24-25bb (2.4-2.5x) | Larger sizing compensates for positional disadvantage |
| Against Calling Station | 10bb | 27-30bb (2.7-3x) | Build bigger pots with value; reduce bluffing frequency |
| Against Tight Folder | 10bb | 20-22bb (2-2.2x) | Minimize risk with bluffs; still get folds |
Pot Geometry and Commitment
At 100bb effective stacks, a standard 4-bet to 22-25bb puts approximately 25% of your stack in the pot. Post-4-bet, the SPR is typically around 1.5-2, meaning any significant flop bet commits the remaining stack. Understanding this pot geometry helps you plan for the hand's full trajectory.
Use our SPR calculator to understand how different 4-bet sizes affect post-flop commitment thresholds and stack-to-pot dynamics.
Position-Based 4-Betting Ranges
Position dramatically affects both your 4-betting frequency and range composition. Having position in a 4-bet pot provides significant advantages: you see your opponent's action first, can pot control more effectively, and realize equity more efficiently. Understanding poker position dynamics is fundamental to optimal 4-betting.
In-Position 4-Betting (Button/Cutoff)
When you have position on the 3-bettor, your 4-betting strategy can be more aggressive. You benefit from:
- Higher fold equity (opponents know they'll be out of position post-flop)
- Better post-flop playability if called
- More control over pot size and action
Example IP 4-bet range vs. BB 3-bet: AA, KK, QQ, JJ (sometimes), AKs, AKo, A5s-A2s (bluffs), KQs (some frequency)
Out-of-Position 4-Betting (Blinds)
4-betting from the blinds against in-position 3-bettors requires tighter ranges. You face the double challenge of having committed chips and playing without position post-flop. However, 4-betting can be preferable to calling because it:
- Increases fold equity before the flop
- Defines your hand strength clearly
- Prevents difficult post-flop spots with marginal holdings
Example OOP 4-bet range from SB vs. BTN 3-bet: AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo, A5s-A4s (bluffs, tight)
Defending Against 4-Bets
Facing a 4-bet is one of poker's highest-pressure situations. The pot is already substantial, and the decision you make carries significant expected value implications. Understanding how to properly defend against 4-bets prevents exploitation and maintains your 3-betting strategy's viability.
The Three Responses to a 4-Bet
1. 5-Bet Jam (All-In)
5-betting all-in is the most aggressive response and should be reserved for:
- AA: Always 5-bet jam for value at standard stack depths
- KK: Generally 5-bet jam; consider calling deep-stacked against very tight ranges
- AK blocker bluffs: Occasionally, when opponent 4-bets wide and folds to 5-bets
2. Call
Calling a 4-bet makes sense with hands that:
- Have strong post-flop equity but don't want to play for stacks pre-flop
- Benefit from stack depth (QQ, JJ at 150bb+)
- Can navigate post-flop in small SPR pots effectively
At 100bb, calling with QQ is viable against aggressive 4-bettors who might be bluffing. At shallower stacks, 5-bet jamming becomes more standard.
3. Fold
Most 3-bets should fold facing a 4-bet. This includes:
- Light 3-bets (suited connectors, small pairs, weak aces)
- Hands without strong blockers
- Marginal value 3-bets (AQo, TT against tight opponents)
Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF)
According to PokerNews strategy content and GTO principles, you shouldn't fold more than approximately 50-60% of your 3-betting range to 4-bets, or opponents profit by 4-bet bluffing any two cards. Balance your folds with 5-bet jams and calls to remain unexploitable.
Playing 4-Bet Pots Post-Flop
When a 4-bet gets called rather than leading to a pre-flop all-in, you enter one of poker's most high-stakes post-flop situations. Typical 4-bet pots at 100bb feature SPRs around 1.5-2, meaning any significant bet commits the remaining stack.
Key Principles for 4-Bet Pot Post-Flop Play
As the 4-Bettor (Aggressor)
- C-bet frequently: Your range is perceived as strong; leverage this with small c-bets
- Use small sizing: 25-33% pot c-bets are effective given the SPR
- Commit with overpairs: AA/KK are strong enough to go all-in on most boards
- Give up with whiffs: If you 4-bet bluffed and missed, don't compound the mistake
As the 4-Bet Caller (Defender)
- Play fit-or-fold: With low SPRs, marginal decisions become straightforward
- Check-raise narrow: Only with the nuts or strong draws given stack commitment
- Don't hero-call: 4-bettors' ranges are strong; respect their aggression
For more detailed post-flop guidance, review our flop strategy guide and bet sizing strategy guide.
Common 4-Betting Mistakes
Avoiding these common errors will immediately improve your 4-betting results:
| Mistake | Why It's Wrong | Correction |
|---|---|---|
| Only 4-betting AA/KK | Predictable; opponents fold everything but monsters | Include bluffs for balance; target 2:1 value-to-bluff ratio |
| 4-bet bluffing too wide | Burns chips when called; becomes exploitable | Stick to hands with blockers and equity |
| Inconsistent sizing | Gives away hand strength information | Use same sizing for value and bluffs |
| 4-betting JJ/TT for value always | These hands often face overcards; poor all-in equity | Consider calling to set-mine or folding against tight ranges |
| Not adjusting to opponents | Exploitation opportunities missed | 4-bet more vs light 3-bettors; tighter vs nitty 3-bet ranges |
| Folding too much to 4-bets | Makes your 3-bets exploitable | Defend with 5-bet jams and calls; respect MDF |
Advanced 4-Betting Concepts
The Polarized vs. Merged 4-Bet Range Debate
In GTO theory, 4-bet ranges are typically polarized: very strong hands for value and specific bluffs, with medium-strength hands calling instead. This creates clearly defined value and bluff portions.
However, against certain opponents, a merged (depolarized) 4-bet range can be more exploitative. If an opponent 3-bets wide but calls 4-bets too often, 4-betting JJ/TT/AQs for value (merged range) extracts more than playing them as calls or folds.
Frequency-Based Adjustments
According to Two Plus Two forum discussions and poker strategy databases, optimal 4-betting frequency against different 3-bet percentages varies significantly:
- Opponent 3-bets 5%: 4-bet only premiums (AA, KK); their range is too strong
- Opponent 3-bets 8%: Standard 4-bet range; include some bluffs
- Opponent 3-bets 12%+: Expand 4-betting significantly; their range is weak
Metagame Considerations
Your 4-betting history against specific opponents matters. If you've been caught 4-bet bluffing, opponents may start calling lighter. Conversely, if you've only shown premiums, your 4-bet bluffs gain credibility. Adjust your frequencies based on table dynamics and history.
Example 4-Betting Scenarios
Scenario 1: Value 4-Bet with KK
Situation: You hold K♠K♦ on the button at 100bb effective. Cutoff opens to 2.5bb, you 3-bet to 8bb, cutoff 4-bets to 20bb.
Analysis: KK is a clear 5-bet jam for value. At 100bb effective, you commit 100bb into a pot that will contain approximately 42bb after the initial 4-bet. Your 5-bet of 100bb gives opponent roughly 1.4:1 to call, and KK has strong equity against any 4-betting range.
Action: 5-bet all-in to 100bb.
Scenario 2: Light 4-Bet with A5s
Situation: You hold A♠5♠ in the cutoff at 100bb effective. Button opens to 2.5bb, SB folds, BB 3-bets to 10bb. This player has 3-bet 14% over 200 hands.
Analysis: Against a 14% 3-bettor, their range is wide and includes many hands that will fold to a 4-bet. A5s is an ideal 4-bet bluff: it blocks AA and AK (reducing combos that would continue), has backup equity (nut flush potential), and doesn't play well as a call in the 3-bet pot.
Action: 4-bet to 24bb. If called, play cautiously post-flop unless you hit your flush draw or ace.
Scenario 3: Defending Against a 4-Bet
Situation: You hold Q♣Q♦ in the BB at 100bb effective. CO opens to 2.5bb, you 3-bet to 10bb, CO 4-bets to 24bb. CO is a tight regular with a 4-bet range of 2.5%.
Analysis: Against a 2.5% 4-bet range (roughly AA, KK, AKs), QQ is in rough shape with only ~40% equity. While QQ is normally a strong hand, against this tight range, folding is reasonable. Calling commits you to a pot where you're often dominated.
Action: Fold. Against looser 4-bettors (5%+), calling or 5-bet jamming becomes viable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use the same 4-bet size for value hands and bluffs?
Yes, absolutely. Using different sizes for value and bluffs creates an exploitable tell. Observant opponents will notice if you 4-bet larger with aces than with bluffs. Keep your sizing consistent (2.2-2.5x the 3-bet) regardless of your holding to remain unexploitable and keep opponents guessing.
How often should I be 4-betting as a bluff?
A balanced 4-betting range typically contains approximately one bluff for every two value hands (roughly 33% bluffs). However, this ratio should adjust based on opponent tendencies. Against players who over-fold to 4-bets, increase your bluff frequency. Against calling stations, reduce bluffs and 4-bet primarily for value.
Is AK a 4-bet for value or a call?
AK occupies an interesting spot in 4-betting theory. Against aggressive 3-bettors with wide ranges, AK is typically a value 4-bet since it dominates hands like AQ, AJ, and KQ that might continue. Against tight 3-bet ranges, AKs often plays better as a call (to see a flop with position) while AKo becomes a fold or tight 4-bet depending on stack depth and opponent tendencies.
What's the difference between a 4-bet and a squeeze?
A squeeze play is a specific type of 3-bet made against an opener and one or more callers. A 4-bet is always a re-raise of an existing 3-bet. The key distinction: squeezes exploit dead money from callers, while 4-bets directly challenge the 3-bettor's perceived strength. They target different situations and require different hand selection criteria.
How does 4-betting change at different stakes?
At lower stakes, players tend to 3-bet tighter and call 4-bets with wider ranges. This suggests reducing 4-bet bluffing frequency and focusing on value. At higher stakes, opponents 3-bet lighter and fold more to 4-bets, creating profitable 4-bet bluffing opportunities. Always adjust your frequencies based on opponent tendencies rather than stake level assumptions.
Key Takeaways
- 4-bets represent significant commitment: At standard depths, 4-betting puts 20-25% of your stack in pre-flop
- Balance is crucial: Include both value hands and strategic bluffs in your 4-bet range
- Blockers matter: Choose bluff candidates that block opponents' continuing hands
- Size consistently: Use 2.2-2.5x the 3-bet regardless of your holding
- Adjust to opponents: 4-bet wider against aggressive 3-bettors, tighter against nits
- Know when to fold: Most 3-betting hands should fold to 4-bets
- Post-flop is simple: Low SPRs mean fit-or-fold decisions dominate 4-bet pots
Continue Your Pre-Flop Education
Master these related concepts to become a complete pre-flop player:
- 3-Betting Strategy - Foundation for understanding 4-bet dynamics
- Squeeze Play Strategy - Exploiting multiway pots with 3-bets
- Poker Range Construction - Build optimal opening and defending ranges
- Blocker Theory - Use card removal for better bluff selection
- GTO Poker Strategy - Unexploitable play fundamentals
- Position Explained - Why position matters in every decision
Responsible Play Reminder
4-betting and 5-betting involve significant chip commitments and increased variance. Even optimal 4-betting strategy experiences short-term swings due to the all-in nature of many spots. Ensure your bankroll can handle the variance of aggressive pre-flop play, and never play at stakes where the financial stress affects your decision-making.
If gambling becomes problematic, resources are available through the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700.