Facing a 3-Bet: Call, 4-Bet, or Fold
Short Answer
Against a 3-bet, strong hands and blocker-heavy hands can 4-bet, hands with position and realization can call, and dominated low-realization hands should fold. Do not defend too much just because you already opened.
Start With Position And Size
In position, you can call more because equity is easier to realize. Out of position, calling becomes harder, so marginal hands often become 4-bets or folds. The larger the 3-bet, the more equity and realization you need.
4-Bet Candidates
Value 4-bets come from premium pairs and strong aces. Bluff 4-bets prefer ace or king blockers because they reduce AA, KK, and AK in the opponent's range. Hands without blockers and poor playability are weak 4-bet bluffs.
Calling Candidates
Calls need realization. Medium pairs, strong suited broadways, and some suited aces perform better in position. Out of position, be stricter. Dominated offsuit broadways often lose against strong 3-bet ranges.
Decision Steps
- Confirm whether you have position.
- Check pot odds from the 3-bet size.
- Assess domination against the value range.
- Use blockers for 4-bet bluffs and realization for calls.