Preflop re-raises have names that confuse you when you start. But the count is simple, and understanding it saves you from getting into fights you don't want.
The count
- •1st bet: the big blind (forced).
- •2nd (raise): the first player to raise to open.
- •3-bet: someone re-raises over that raise.
- •4-bet: the opener raises again over the 3-bet.
- •5-bet: usually already all-in. Here there's almost always AA/KK involved.
A♠
A♥
K♠
K♦
What to enter the war with
The higher the ladder climbs, the stronger your range must be. A 3-bet mixes value (QQ+, AK) and some bluffs; a 4-bet is already for your best hands (AA, KK, AK) and very select bluffs; a 5-bet/all-in, almost only monsters.
💡 If you get re-raised a lot (4-bet at you), don't fall in love with medium hands. The raising war rewards discipline.
🎓 Lesson: the 3-bet and 4-bet war→