4bet

A 4bet is the re-re-raise after a 3bet preflop. It is one of the most aggressive actions preflop and usually leads to a big pot or all-in shortly after.

Detailed Explanation

A 4bet range is strictly polarized:

• Value 4bet: KK+, AKs (sometimes QQ and AKo, depending on the opponent's 3bet range). Against wide 3bettors, QQ and AK are clear value
• Bluff 4bet: weak suited aces with blocker effect (A5s, A4s). These block the As in the opponent's AA / AK / AQ, narrowing their 5bet shove range

The middle (JJ, TT, AQs, etc.) is usually a flat call against a 3bet rather than a 4bet — being 5bet-shoved on after 4betting is awkward.

4bet sizing is usually 2.2-2.5× the 3bet. Example: open 3bb, 3bet to 9bb, 4bet to 21-23bb. Choose sizing so that a 5bet shove is still a meaningful decision (slightly larger 4bet at 200bb deep, smaller at 100bb).

Common Use Cases

• vs a wide 3bettor: bluff 4bets are highly efficient — increase the bluff ratio
• vs a blind 3bet: blind 3bets are usually tighter (defense is harder), so tighten the value 4bet range
• Short-stack 4bet: at stacks below 60bb, a 4bet typically commits you — you need a 5bet shove range to back it up