If you’ve ever been unsure how to defend c-bets on low-card flops after facing a 3-bet, you’re not alone. These are common but tricky spots in modern No-Limit Hold’em, and understanding how to respond—whether you’re in position (IP) or out of position (OOP)—can make or break your win rate.
In this poker strategy guide, we’ll break down two common board textures—8♦4♣2♠ and 8♥7♥5♦—to understand how to play against continuation bets after calling a 3-bet both in position and out of position. Let’s dive in.
🔍 Scenario Setup
We’re analyzing hands played 100 big blinds deep with these assumptions:
In Position (IP)
- You open from the Button (BTN)
- The Big Blind (BB) 3-bets
- You call the 3-bet
- BB c-bets the flop, and you’re in position to respond
Out of Position (OOP)
- You open from the Cutoff (CO)
- The Button (BTN) 3-bets
- You call the 3-bet
- You check on the flop and face a c-bet while OOP
🧠 Defending C-Bets In Position on Low Flops – 8♠4♦2♣
💬 Flop Analysis: Dry Low-Card Board
On a dry, disconnected flop like 8♠4♦2♣, the Big Blind will often check, but when they do bet, you’re required to defend around 75% of the time.
- Call with 64% of hands: This includes top pairs, second pairs, overcards like AQs, and ace-high hands with backdoor potential.
- Raise with 9% of hands: Prioritize overpairs like 99, top pair + top kicker, and gutshots like A5s.
Key tip: On dry boards, raising more frequently is correct because of reduced equity realization for the c-bettor.
🧠 Defending C-Bets In Position on Connected Boards – 8♥7♥5♦
💬 Flop Analysis: Wet and Coordinated Texture
Boards like 8♥7♥5♦ are highly connected and hit the caller’s range well. For this reason, the BB will c-bet only around 25% of the time and usually with a larger sizing.
- Defend 68% of your range: You still need to call or raise with the majority of your hands.
- Call with 62% of hands: Pairs, top pairs, and combo draws make up your main defense.
- Raise with 6%: Target overpairs that need protection and straight/flush draw combos.
Key tip: You raise less frequently here due to the board favoring your range and the BB betting selectively.
🧠 Defending C-Bets Out of Position on Low Flops – 8♠4♦2♣
When you’re out of position, your strategy shifts. You check your entire range to the aggressor.
- Opponent c-bets ~50% of the time, often with a large sizing (⅔ pot).
- You must defend around 60% of your range to avoid being exploited.
🛡️ OOP Defense Strategy:
- Call 42% of hands: Sets, strong pairs, and high equity overcards.
- Check/raise 17%: Overpairs (like TT+), gutshots, and strong top pairs (e.g., T8s), as well as some backdoor draws.
Key tip: Don’t shy away from check-raising aggressively, especially when you have decent equity or a strong hand needing protection.
🧠 Defending C-Bets Out of Position on Connected Flops – 8♥7♥5♠
On connected boards like 8♥7♥5♠, you’re at a range advantage. Opponents know this and will c-bet less often, often using small sizing.
But when they do c-bet? You must defend over 84% of your range!
🛡️ OOP Defense Strategy:
- Call with 65% of hands: Any pair, strong draws, and even overcards with backdoor potential.
- Check/raise with 18%: Sets, strong two-pair combos, and premium draws.
Key tip: On these boards, you can apply maximum pressure, knowing that you hold more nutted combinations than your opponent.
📌 Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
✅ In Position (IP):
- Defend ~75% on dry boards (e.g., 8♠4♦2♣)
- Defend ~68% on connected boards (e.g., 8♥7♥5♦)
- Raise more on dry boards
- Call more on connected textures
✅ Out of Position (OOP):
- Always check the flop to the 3-bettor
- Defend ~60% on dry boards with a balanced raise/call mix
- Defend ~84% on connected boards with frequent check-raises
- Fold only the weakest hands with no draw or showdown value
🔚 Final Thoughts
Understanding how to defend against c-bets—both in position and out of position—is essential for mastering 3-bet pots in poker. Whether you’re playing online cash games or deep in a tournament, these spots come up frequently, and playing them correctly adds serious EV to your game.
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