When to 4-Bet

Most poker players don't 4-bet often enough, and that's a huge mistake. 4-betting allows you to drive the action and build pots with your big hands while punishing aggressive 3-bettors. But in order to be a tough opponent, you have to 4-bet with some bluffs as well.

This episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up covers how to build an optimal 4-betting range that includes the proper value hands and well-chosen bluffs. Mike and Gary also go over 4-bet sizing and how different factors should impact your 4-bet strategy.

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Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Four Betting

02:10 Adjusting for Opponent's Three Bet Size and Style

03:26 Best Hands for Four Bet Bluffs

05:46 Adjusting Four Bet Strategy for Unusual Bet Sizes

07:02 Optimal Four Bet Sizing

09:57 Stack Size Considerations in Four Betting

13:41 Cold Four Betting Explained

16:34 Conclusion and Further Resources

In this engaging episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and poker pro Gary Blackwood dive deep into the intricacies of four-betting—a critical aspect of advanced poker strategy. Whether you're looking to refine your value betting tactics or seeking to master the art of balancing bluffs, this episode is packed with insights designed to elevate your game to the next level.

The discussion kicks off with an in-depth exploration of how to build a strong four-bet range, guiding you through the essential considerations like position and opponent tendencies. The podcast covers everything from understanding when to four-bet wider or tighter, depending on your position at the table, to how the size of your opponent's three-bet should directly influence your strategy. Mike and Gary provide actionable advice on how to construct your four-bet range by balancing value hands with carefully selected bluffs, ensuring that you become a more formidable and unpredictable opponent.

As the conversation progresses, our hosts delve into the finer points of adjusting your four-betting strategy based on the specific size of your opponent's three-bet—whether it's unusually large or small. They emphasize the importance of optimal four-bet sizing to maintain a strong post-flop edge, ensuring that you maximize your potential in every hand. Listeners will also learn how to tailor their four-betting tactics as stack sizes fluctuate, with detailed advice on handling deep stack play, short stack scenarios, and knowing when to incorporate four-bet jams into your playbook.

The episode doesn't stop there; it wraps up with a focused discussion on cold four-betting. Mike and Gary highlight how cold four-betting differs from standard four-betting and provide expert guidance on developing a tight, effective cold four-bet range. This segment is especially valuable for players looking to add new dimensions to their game and make strategic decisions that can turn the tide in their favor.

Whether you're a seasoned player with years of experience or someone eager to step up your game, this poker strategy podcast offers valuable takeaways that will help you dominate four-bet pots. Tune in to this poker strategy podcast to sharpen your skills, challenge your assumptions, and learn how to become a tougher, more unpredictable opponent at the tables. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights that could significantly impact your performance in high-stakes situations.