3-Bet

The 3-bet is one of the most important weapons in tournament poker. In a 6-Max MTT, understanding when and how to 3-bet separates break-even players from consistent winners. A 3-bet typically sizes between 2.5x and 3.5x the original raise, depending on position and stack depth. From the blinds, you generally size larger because you will be out of position postflop, while in-position 3-bets can be smaller since you retain the positional advantage. There are two main reasons to 3-bet preflop. First, for value: with premium hands like AA, KK, QQ, and AKs, you want to build the pot before the flop. Second, as a bluff: by 3-betting with hands like A5s, A4s, or suited connectors, you apply fold equity against the opener's range and avoid playing marginal hands in bloated pots. The ratio between value 3-bets and bluff 3-bets depends on your position, your opponent's tendencies, and ICM considerations. In a tournament context, 3-betting becomes more nuanced near the bubble or at a final table where the risk of elimination weighs heavily. A balanced 3-betting strategy forces opponents to defend wider, making them uncomfortable and prone to mistakes. Many recreational players either 3-bet too rarely (only with premiums) or too frequently (turning it into a predictable bluff). The key is constructing a 3-bet range that includes the right mix of value hands and bluffs so that opponents cannot easily exploit you.