fourbet is one of the most potent tools in a modern poker player’s arsenal. Whether seen as an aggressive countermeasure or a deceptive bluff, the four-bet carries strategic weight that affects preflop dynamics, ranges, and downstream play. This article will demystify the four-bet, explaining what it means, why it works, and how to incorporate it into both cash game and tournament strategy with practical guidelines and examples.
Definition and Purpose
The four-bet is the re-raise that follows a three-bet in a preflop sequence. Typically, the action goes: initial raise (often called an open-raise), a re-raise (three-bet), and then a re-re-raise (four-bet). The four-bet’s primary purposes are varied: to extract value from very strong hands, to isolate opponents, to exploit tendencies of aggressive three-bettors, and to apply pressure with a polarized range that mixes premium holdings with occasional bluffs. Understanding the nuances of why you four-bet is essential before adopting a mechanical approach.
Range Construction
When constructing a four-bet range, most experienced players adopt a polarized approach. That means combining a small set of very strong hands (value) with some bluff hands that block the opponent’s best responses. For example, value hands often include pocket aces (AA), kings (KK), and sometimes queens (QQ), while bluffs commonly use hands containing an ace as a blocker (such as A5s, A4s) or hands with high card blockers (like KQo in specific spots). The exact composition depends on stack depth, position, and the opponent’s tendencies.
Positional Considerations
Position matters a great deal. Four-betting from late position against an early position three-bettor usually indicates a very strong range because the initial raiser is expected to be stronger. Conversely, four-betting as the initial raiser when facing a three-bet from the blinds can be more polarized and include more bluffs. In heads-up preflop confrontations, position advantage often justifies a looser four-betting strategy, but players must account for postflop complexities.
Stack Sizes and Tournament vs Cash Game Play
Stack depth dramatically influences four-betting decisions. In deep-stacked cash games, the implied odds and potential to outplay opponents postflop can favor a mix of bluffs and value, whereas in shallow-stacked tournament situations—especially near bubble or pay-jump points—four-betting often leans toward pure value or shove-sized moves. Short stacks reduce the maneuverability after calling: a four-bet shove commits many players and narrows the strategic options. Adjust your four-bet ranges accordingly.
Exploiting Player Types
One of the most practical advantages of the four-bet is exploiting predictable tendencies. Against aggressive, loose three-bettors who frequently use wide ranges, four-betting for isolation with a polarized range can be highly profitable. Against nitty opponents who three-bet only premiums, four-betting should be mostly value-oriented. Observing fold-to-4-bet frequencies and three-bet ranges allows you to tailor your approach. If an opponent folds to four-bets often, increase bluff frequency; if they call down light, tighten up to value-heavy four-bets.
Sizing and Bet Psychology
Sizing your four-bet is both technical and psychological. Effective four-bet sizing accomplishes at least two goals: it presents a credible range and creates fold equity. Typical sizing conventions aim to make it expensive for opponents to continue but not so large that only the very top of their range continues. Many players use a percentage of the pot or a multiple of the original raise as a guideline, but the best sizing considers stack-to-pot ratios and the likely responses of the opponents. Smaller four-bets invite calls and postflop play; larger ones force clearer decisions and may generate folds from marginal hands.
Balancing Value and Bluffs
Balance is critical to prevent opponents from exploiting your four-bet strategy. If you four-bet only with premiums, observant opponents will three-bet light and fold when you act aggressively in response. If you four-bet too frequently with weak hands, strong opponents will exploit you by calling or five-betting light. Developing a balanced range—preferably GTO-informed as a baseline and adjusted for exploitable tendencies—helps you remain unpredictable and profitable.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Several pitfalls afflict players attempting to integrate the four-bet. One common error is over-bluffing in early positions; another is under-allocating value hands when balance calls for it. Players also sometimes forget about stack depth and postflop playability: a four-bet with speculative hands that are difficult to play postflop often backfires. To avoid these mistakes, review hand histories, use solvers or range trainers to internalize baseline ranges, and practice recognizing spots where exploitative deviation is warranted.
Postflop Considerations
A four-bet pot usually leads to high pressure postflop scenarios when called. The player who initiated the four-bet should be comfortable navigating large pots with a polarized range and understand how to use blockers, fold equity, and positional advantage to continue extracting value. Conversely, the caller should have a plan: are they continuing for pot control, or do they intend to apply pressure on certain textures? Planning ahead and visualizing common flop runouts helps reduce mistakes when the action becomes complex.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Late position opens to 3bb, cut-off three-bets to 10bb. Button four-bets to 30bb with a polarized range that includes AA, KK, and A5s as a blocker-bluff. If the three-bettor calls, the button anticipates difficult postflop decisions but gains significant fold equity preflop.
Example 2: Under-the-gun opens to 2.5bb, small blind three-bets to 8bb. The under-the-gun four-bets to 22bb only with top-tier holdings to avoid getting dominated postflop and to deny equity to speculative hands.
Developing Skill and Practice
Mastering the four-bet requires a blend of theory, practice, and self-review. Study solver outputs to see balanced ranges, then practice exploitative adjustments in real games. Use hand histories to identify spots where your four-bet succeeded or failed and ask whether the result was due to range construction, sizing, or opponent profile. Regularly revisiting these hands will accelerate your learning curve.
Conclusion
The four-bet is an advanced but indispensable element of modern preflop strategy. When used thoughtfully—taking into account position, stack sizes, opponent tendencies, and postflop implications—it can significantly improve your win rate. Balance value and bluffs, size with purpose, and always consider how the hand will play out after the flop. With study and disciplined practice, the four-bet can become a reliable weapon that both protects your strong holdings and pressures opponents into costly mistakes.