What A Frequent C-Bettor Looks Like
A frequent c-bettor:
- raises preflop often
- fires on most flops
- relies on fold equity more than hand strength
If HUDs are allowed, you’ll see high flop c-bet percentages. Without HUDs, you’ll still feel it:
- they bet almost every flop you check to them
- their flop sizing is often small and repetitive
- they “shut down” when called and the turn is scary
Your goal is to find who:
- overbluffs flops
- under-barrels turns and rivers
If you want the full foundation first, start with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips. This article shows you how to recognize high c-bet tendencies online and exploit them without turning every pot into a war.
Step 1: Identify The Board Types Where C-Bets Fail
Not all boards are equal.
Boards That Favor The Preflop Raiser (C-Bet Works More)
- high card, dry boards (A-7-2 rainbow, K-8-3 rainbow)
- paired boards (K-K-5)
- boards with few draws
On these boards, calling just to “fight back” is often -EV.
Boards That Favor The Caller (C-Bet Works Less)
- low connected boards (6-7-8)
- very wet boards (9-10-J with a flush draw)
- boards that hit suited connectors and small pairs
- boards where the caller has a nut advantage
These are the boards where you can pressure frequent c-bettors more.
Step 2: Use The Three Main Counter-Tools
There are three core ways to punish frequent c-bets:
- call (float)
- raise
- check-raise
Each tool has the right time and place.
Counter #1: The Float (Call Flop With A Plan)
A float is calling the flop bet, intending to:
- take it away on a later street
- or value bet when they check
This is the most common counter and the easiest to misuse.
Good Float Spots
- you’re in position
- board hits your range
- villain uses small c-bets
- villain gives up turns often
- you have backdoor equity (backdoor flush/straight, overcards)
Bad Float Spots
- out of position
- villain barrels turns aggressively
- your hand has no future improvement
- multiway pots
Beginner rule:
- float in position more than out of position
Counter #2: Raise The Flop (Pressure Their Autopilot)
Raising a flop c-bet works best when:
- the board favors you
- their c-bet range is weak and wide
- you can represent strong value hands credibly
Your raise can be:
- a value raise (strong hands)
- a semi-bluff raise (strong draws)
- occasionally a bluff raise (on the right boards vs the right opponents)
The Biggest Raise Mistake
Raising “because you’re annoyed.”
If you raise, you should know:
- what hands you represent
- what worse hands can continue
- what better hands can fold
If you can’t answer, your raise is usually spew.
Counter #3: The Check-Raise (Especially Versus Small C-Bets)
Check-raising is one of the strongest tools against frequent c-bettors because it attacks their wide flop betting range.
Best spots:
- you’re out of position (check-raise is your main weapon OOP)
- villain uses small, automatic sizing
- board hits your range bette
- you have a strong hand or strong draw
Common check-raise candidates:
- sets/two pair
- nut flush draws
- open-ended straight draws
- combo draws
Against players who overfold, check-raises print money.
Step 3: The Turn Is Where You Win The War
Many frequent c-bettors make this mistake:
- c-bet flop
- check turn when called
That turn check is often weakness.
When They Check Turn, You Should Bet Often (In Position)
If you floated flop and they check turn:
- bet to take the pot
- size to apply pressure
- choose a story that makes sense
This is how you punish flop autopilot:
- make them pay for betting too wide
But Don’t Auto-Stab Every Turn
If the turn improves their range strongly (like a high card that favors the raiser), be careful. Choose good turns:
- cards that improve your perceived range
- scare cards that reduce their strong continues
- turns that give you additional equity
Step 4: Don’t Ignore Your Own Range
A huge leak is fighting c-bets with hands that can’t win.
Your continues should be built from:
- made hands (pairs+)
- strong draws
- backdoor equity
- hands that can credibly improve or represent strength
If your hand is:
- no pair, no backdoors, no plan
Just fold. Discipline beats ego.
Common Mistakes When Countering C-Bettors
- floating out of position with no plan
- raising too often on boards that favor the preflop raiser
- check-raising weak hands with no equity
- ignoring turn follow-through (you win money on turn checks)
- targeting players who never fold
- making it personal (“I’m not folding to him”)
Quick Takeaways
- Frequent c-bettors often overbet flops and under-barrel turns
- Choose boards: fight more on low/wet textures that favor the caller
- Use three tools: float, raise, check-raise
- Floats require a plan and work best in position
- Check-raises are a key weapon out of position vs small c-bets
- The turn is where profit shows up when they check after c-betting
- Don’t fight with no-equity hands—discipline wins
Mini FAQ
Should I Always Raise A Frequent C-Bettor?
No. Use raises selectively on boards that favor you and against opponents who can fold.
What’s The Best Counter Tool Out Of Position?
Check-raising. It’s your main way to apply pressure OOP.
How Do I Know If They Give Up On Turns?
Watch showdowns and note patterns. If they c-bet flop and check turn often, they’re a good target.
Where To Go Next
You’ve now learned how to counter frequent c-bettors with a clean set of tools—float, raise, and check-raise—plus the key idea that the turn is where you often win the pot.
If you want to reinforce this, the best next move is to understand how tournament stages change strategy, because pressure tools (like c-bets and turn barrels) behave differently when stacks shorten and payouts approach.
Continue with Tournament Stages Explained: Early, Middle & Late Game.
