How to 3-Bet Like a Pro

You just got dealt your starting hand a player raises in front of you. Before you even look at your cards, you should have a good idea of which hands you will 3-bet (aka re-raise) and what size 3-bet to use.

That's what this episode of Upswing Poker Level-Up covers. You will learn:

• When to 3-bet
• Which hands to 3-bet for value
• How to choose 3-bet bluffs
• What sizing to use
• The critical factors that should impact your 3-bet strategy in-game

If you really want to take your poker skills to the next level, head over to UpswingPoker.com. Upswing has hundreds of free articles, free quizzes, affordable crash courses, and advanced training courses that will help you get better at poker.

Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Importance of a Three Bet Strategy

01:35 Deciding Value Three Bet Hands

02:06 Impact of Open Size on Three Bet

03:07 Balancing Value with Bluff Three Bets

04:08 Best Hands for Bluff Three Bets

06:17 Special Adjustments for Three Bet Sizing

07:20 Adjusting Three Bet Size by Stack Depth

08:54 In Position vs Out of Position Three Bet

09:39 Three Bet Ranges from the Small Blind

11:00 Three Bet or Fold Strategy Benefits

12:35 Three-Betting Mini-Quiz

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Upswing Poker Level-Up Podcast, your go-to poker strategy podcast for improving your game quickly and effectively. Hosted by Mike Brady, this episode features expert insights from Scottish cash game pro and coach Gary Blackwood. Together, they delve into the crucial aspects of three-betting, or reraising before the flop, an essential skill for any serious poker player.

Gary emphasizes the importance of a well-thought-out three-bet strategy, noting that the game has evolved, and three-betting is now more common and sophisticated. Players must be up to date with these changes to stay competitive.

Position and open size play significant roles in determining your three-bet strategy. For example, a tight range is necessary when an early position player opens, but you can widen your range against a late position opener. Gary also explains the need to adjust your three-bet sizing based on whether you are in position or out of position and the stack depths involved.

Bluffs are crucial for a balanced strategy, and Gary highlights the best hands to use as three-bet bluffs, including suited ace-x and double broadway hands. He also discusses the unique considerations when three-betting from the big blind, particularly against small blind opens.

This episode of our poker strategy podcast also covers the advantages of a three-bet or fold strategy, especially in positions like the cutoff and middle position, where flatting can cap your range and expose you to squeezes from players behind you.

To wrap up, Mike and Gary provide a practical example, quizzing listeners on what hands to three-bet in a specific scenario, reinforcing the episode's key lessons.

Tune in to this episode of the Upswing Poker Level-Up Podcast to enhance your three-betting strategy and elevate your poker game. For more in-depth content, including advanced solver ranges and strategic lessons, visit UpswingPoker.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for video versions of these insightful episodes.