4-bet
A 4-bet is a raise over a 3-bet: the second re-raise in the same betting round.
The simple explanation
One player raises, another player 3-bets, and the first player raises again. That last raise is the 4-bet. Before the flop, the big blind counts as the first bet, so the opening raise is the 2-bet. The number names the action in the sequence; it does not mean the wager must be four times as large.
A closer look
A 4-bet can build the pot with a strong hand or put pressure on someone who may fold to another raise. The choice of hands and size depends on the other player's 3-betting range, effective stacks, position and the size of the 3-bet. A 4-bet is possible after the flop too: a bet is followed by a raise, another raise and then a third raise.
A practical example
With blinds of 1/2 chips, Player A raises to 6, Player B raises to 18, and Player A raises again to 45. Player A's raise to 45 is the 4-bet. Each amount is the player's total bet for that round.
Full explanation
A 4-bet is a raise over a 3-bet: the second re-raise in the same betting round.
Before the flop, the big blind is counted as the first bet. If Player A raises, Player B 3-bets and Player A raises again, Player A has made a 4-bet. The number counts the betting actions, not a required multiple of the previous amount.
Players may 4-bet for value or as a bluff. Hand choice and sizing depend on the opponent’s range, effective stacks, position and earlier wagers. A 4-bet can also happen after the flop when a bet is followed by three raises on the same street.
See a 4-bet
No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake
The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. The big blind counts as the first bet before the flop.
Read the example transcript
Player A has the button (BTN). Player B posts the 1-chip small blind (SB). Player C posts the 2-chip big blind (BB).
- Preflop · Pot: 3 chips
The blinds are 1 and 2 chips. The big blind counts as the first bet before the flop.
- Player A BTN AAce of hearts (Ah)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
- Player B SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
- Player C BB 77 of spades (7s)22 of clubs (2c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 9 chips
Player A raises to 6 chips.
- Player A BTN AAce of hearts (Ah)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
- Player C BB 77 of spades (7s)22 of clubs (2c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 26 chips
Player B raises to 18 chips. This is a 3-bet.
- Player A BTN AAce of hearts (Ah)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 182 · In this round 18
- Player C BB 77 of spades (7s)22 of clubs (2c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Preflop · Pot: 26 chips
Player C folds.
- Player A BTN AAce of hearts (Ah)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 194 · In this round 6
- Player B SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 182 · In this round 18
- Player C BB 77 of spades (7s)22 of clubs (2c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2 · Folded
- Preflop · Pot: 65 chips
Player A raises again, to 45 chips. This raise over the 3-bet is the 4-bet.
- Player A BTN AAce of hearts (Ah)KKing of diamonds (Kd) · Stack 155 · In this round 45
- Player B SB QQueen of clubs (Qc)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 182 · In this round 18
- Player C BB 77 of spades (7s)22 of clubs (2c) · Stack 198 · In this round 2 · Folded
Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.