The fourbet is one of the most consequential preflop actions in modern poker — used to assert dominance, punish wide open-raises, and extract value from weaker holdings. Understanding how and when to fourbet is essential for players who want to level up their preflop theory and exploit opponents effectively. For a focused resource and live examples, check out fourbet.ng as part of your study routine.

At its core, a fourbet is a re-raise to the third raise preflop: open-raise (1), threebet (2), and fourbet (3). The action signifies strength, but the exact range and intent vary depending on stack sizes, position, and opponent tendencies. Serious players differentiate between polarized fourbet ranges (very strong hands and bluffs) and value-heavy or linear fourbets. Recognizing which approach fits the situation will shape both preflop and postflop plans.

Key variables that determine fourbet strategy

1) Position: Position dictates leverage. When you fourbet from the button or the blinds, you can often apply maximum pressure because you have better postflop options. Conversely, fourbetting out of position requires tighter ranges — you must be prepared to play large pots OOP, or to swiftly fold to further aggression.

2) Stack depth: Deep stacks (100bb+) enable more balanced ranges and postflop maneuvering for both bettor and defender. With shallow stacks (40–60bb), fourbets lean more toward value or shove-oriented tactics; effective stack-to-pot relationships (SPR) will often dictate simpler commitments.

3) Opponent tendencies: Versus ultra-aggressive threebettors, widening your fourbet bluff frequency is profitable. Against tight players who threebet only with monsters, fold equity is low and fourbetting should be reserved for value. Note tendencies such as c-bet frequency and fold-to-fourbet percentage to gauge expected responses.

4) Effective bet sizing: Fourbet sizing is a strategic tool. Large fourbets reduce the room for opponents to continue with speculative holdings, while smaller fourbets invite fivebets or easier calls. Typical sizing in live and online cash games ranges from 2.2x to 3.0x the threebet amount depending on effective stacks and table dynamics. In tournaments, consider stack preservation and the risk of committing too many chips without fold equity.

Polarized vs linear fourbet ranges

Polarized ranges include a mix of the very best hands (AA, KK, sometimes QQ, AKs) and bluffs that have blockers to premium holdings (e.g., A5s, KQs with specific blockers). These ranges rely on fold equity and can be profitable when opponents fold often enough. Linear ranges, on the other hand, consist of strong hands that dominate calling ranges but lack bluffing components. Linear fourbetting is appropriate when you expect to be called light or to play straightforwardly postflop.

Blocker considerations and hand selection

Blockers are vital in constructing fourbet bluffs. Hands that contain an ace or king can reduce the likelihood your opponent holds the strongest hands (AA/KK), increasing your fold equity. For instance, fourbetting with A5s or AQs can be effective because the ace reduces combos of AA and AK. Suited connectors without high-card blockers are generally weaker fourbet bluffs unless position and opponent tendencies strongly justify them.

Postflop plan and realization of equity

Decide preflop whether you intend to play the pot postflop if called. If your fourbet range is largely bluff-heavy with inadequate postflop playability, you must rely on fold equity. When you include hands that can realize equity (e.g., suited broadways), plan a postflop strategy that leverages board texture — continuation betting when favorable, pot control on dangerous boards, and check-raising selectively. The capacity to navigate postflop pots differentiates advanced fourbettors from novices.

Exploiting common errors

Many players make predictable mistakes around fourbets: (a) overfolding to fourbets with exploitable calling ranges, (b) fourbetting too frequently without proper blockers or postflop skills, and (c) using static sizings that reveal range intentions. To exploit overfolders, widen your fourbet bluffs and apply pressure on the turn when they show weakness. Against fourbet-call-heavy opponents, tighten your fourbet range and opt for value-heavy hands that can extract on later streets.

Tournament vs cash game adjustments

In tournaments, escalating antes and changing stack dynamics make fourbet decisions more situational. ICM pressures in late stages often force tighter play; a misguided fourbet can cripple your tournament life. In contrast, cash games sustain deeper stacks and allow for more balanced ranges and postflop play. Always adjust for table stakes, tournament stage, and payout considerations.

Practical examples and sizing guidelines

Example — Cash game, 100bb effective, Button opens to 2.5bb, SB threebets to 8bb. From the BB, a fourbet to 25–30bb polarizes your range and puts substantial pressure on the SB. A smaller fourbet (to ~20bb) invites fivebets or calls more often; use smaller sizings when you hold many playable hands that you want to see flops with. In tournaments with 40–50bb stacks, consider shoving or fourbet-shoving ranges to maximize fold equity and simplify decisions.

Balance and exploitability

Pure balancing is a theoretical ideal: mixing bluffs and value such that opponents cannot exploit your tendencies. In practice, full balance is hard to achieve without solvers and extensive study. Instead, focus on being unexploitable at your stakes — avoid glaring patterns like always fourbetting with premium hands and never bluffing. Track your opponents and adapt; if a specific regular rarely folds, reduce bluff frequency and shift towards value-heavy lines.

Tools and drills to improve

Use solvers and equity calculators to visualize optimal ranges, but translate solver outputs into rules-of-thumb for live play. Drill scenarios: pick common opening and threebetting sizes and practice building polarized vs linear fourbet ranges. Review hands where you were fourbet or faced a fourbet — ask whether position, blockers, and stack depth supported your play. Training hand histories and discussing lines with peers or coaches accelerates learning.

Common mistakes to avoid

– Fourbetting with hands that have poor postflop playability and no blockers. – Ignoring opponent-specific data like fold-to-fourbet frequency. – Using predictable sizings that signal either bluffs or nuts. – Overcommitting in ICM-sensitive spots without clear equity advantages.

Conclusion and roadmap for improvement

Mastery of the fourbet requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical adjustment. Start by learning the core concepts: position, stack sizes, polarizing vs linear ranges, and the role of blockers. Move on to studying typical sizings and practicing with solvers to internalize range constructions. Finally, incorporate live data: adapt your fourbet strategy to the tendencies of the players at your table and the structure of the game (cash vs tournament). With deliberate practice and situational awareness, the fourbet becomes a powerful instrument in your strategic toolkit — one that can win pots preflop, shape postflop dynamics, and create consistent edge over less informed opponents.