Many people are playing poker at this time and Texas Hold\’Em is one of the most popular versions being played. A key facet of poker is to be able to bluff the others at the table into thinking that they do not have the winning hand. One of the top bluff bets is the continuation bet. Some people need to have continuation betting explained to them but once they understand it they can utilize it to their advantage.

A continuation bet is sometimes referred to as a C-bet. This bluff requires someone to raise the initial bet before the flop in an attempt to control the table. By raising early like this other players may fold but those that stay in will believe that the player has a strong hand.

Statistically there is a good chance that a player will not pair a non-paired hand when the flop is dealt. Because of this there is a good chance that betting aggressively on the flop may drive other players out of the game as well. At this point the other players will see an early raise and an aggressive bet and believe that the player has a strong hand to contend with.

It is imperative to follow the cards that come out during the flop when using C-betting. When cards of different suits and not in order come out then there is less of a chance for another player to stick in the game to see if a flush or straight materializes. If they are the same suit or in sequence then another player may stay in the game to see what cards come out.

Another problem that can come about in a C-bet is if too many players hang around to see the flop. When more than two other players stay in to see the flop there is good chance that one of them has a decent hand. At that point it will pay to understand the normal playing habits of the others at the table.

Like any other bluff it is important to not over utilize C-betting. Doing it too much may lead to other players staying in the game to see the cards a player has. If that happens there may be money lost and the inability to effectively use a C-bet later.

Once someone has continuation betting explained to them they can utilize the betting philosophy to bluff their opponents. As with other bluffs there are some key factors to keep in mind so it is played correctly. Make sure not to over utilize this or it will become less effective.