A continuation bet is when the preflop raiser continues to act strong by making a follow up bet on the flop. This follow up bet, or continuation bet, is a common tactic used in poker and is especially effective heads up against one opponent. That lone opponent will usually fold if they missed the flop so the continuation bet wins the preflop raiser the pot even when he or she has also missed the flop. C-bets should be about 1/2 the pot, so if the opponent calls out of a blind it would be slightly less then if they limp called etc. Usually 3.5x-4x does the trick.

The Continuation Bet is a strong play because your opponent will more often then not miss the flop and be willing to fold to any aggressive bet. Some more sophisticated players may recognize a continution bet and decide to call despite missing the flop with the plan to bet you off your hand on the turn if you check to them. This sort of counter play to the continuation bet is an effective move, but it is a bit risky if the continuation better really does have a strong hand and was in the process of check-raising you on the turn.

Bo Jungblut