This is a common spot in a cash game where you are in position against a tough opponent in the Big Blind on the flop after you were the preflop aggressor.

Against a less-skilled opponent automatically c-betting a standard size is often the best play. These types of opponents are less likely to put pressure on your c-bets by making moves on the flop.

Against tougher players you’ll need to focus on board texture to determine the best continuation bet sizing and identify flops where checking behind will be the best play. Generally you can use smaller c-bet sizes on dry, static flops that don’t have many equity changing turn cards. For example, larger c-bet sizing is not required on a flop of A93 rainbow.

On more coordinated boards that still favor you as the raiser, such as AQ3 with a flush draw, you can use a larger c-bet sizing.

Tough opponents will have robust check-raising ranges as part of their overall Big Blind Defense strategy, so be aware of not over folding hands with too much equity when your c-bet gets check-raised.

You will often be put to tough decisions with marginal hands, with the correct decision often coming down to understanding the effects of blockers.

If you hold cards that interfere with your opponent’s ability to have strong hands, you should be more likely to call down in the hand. If your cards interfere with their ability to have bluffs, you should be more likely to fold.

See how close you get to 0 EV Loss and high percentage plays, then reread the advice above from the LearnWPT Pros.

Keep practicing!
-Nick Binger

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