A continuation bet (often shortened to "c-bet") is a bet placed on the flop by whoever raised before the flop. The name comes from the idea of "continuing" the aggression you already showed pre-flop, regardless of whether the flop actually improved your hand.

A quick example

You raise pre-flop with A-K and get one caller. The flop comes 9-4-2 rainbow - a total miss for your hand. You bet anyway. Since your opponent is unlikely to have connected with that flop either, they often fold, and you win the pot without ever pairing up.

Why players c-bet

It keeps pressure on an opponent who probably missed the flop too.
It represents a strong hand, since you were the pre-flop aggressor.
It can win the pot immediately, saving you from a tougher decision later in the hand.

Not just a bluff

A c-bet isn't only used with weak hands - it's also how you get value when you actually hit the flop. Good players bet in both cases so opponents can't simply fold every time they see a bet and call every time they see a check.

Want the full strategy?

This is just the definition. For sizing, which boards to fire on, when to check back instead, and how to avoid becoming predictable, read the complete guide: Continuation Betting (C-Bet) Explained.

Practice it for free

Fire your first c-bet at Poker House - free, real-time Texas Hold'em with a Wild-West saloon vibe and no real-money gambling. Deal in for free.