The 3-bet is a powerful poker tool. It is not only used to win, but it can also help increase payouts in the long run. In addition to that, it can be a very good bluff. However, it is important to understand the correct use of the 3 bet before you start using it.

The 3 bet isn’t the only poker strategy, but it is a very strong one. In fact, it is second only to an all-in push in terms of how strong it can be. By knowing when to use this type of strategy, you can add a whole new level to your game.

To be successful with the 3 bet, you need to know your opponent’s playing style. This includes his range of hands, his tendencies to fold and re-raise, and how much he is likely to bet. If you know this information, you can decide whether the 3 bet is a wise move, or simply a mistake.

A common mistake new players make is to slow-play their pre-flop monsters. They think it’s a good idea to have a strong hand, but they don’t realize that they won’t get paid off without building the pot. Also, they will miss out on value from hands like KQs that are easy to read.

Knowing the proper way to 3 bet is crucial to winning at the poker table. It is a move that many players don’t do often, but it is an important aspect of poker. And knowing when to do it is one of the trickiest lessons in poker.

There are two main types of 3 bets: re-raises and bluffs. Re-raises are made after the flop. When the opponent calls, the player gets to pick up the pot. Bluffs are when the opponent doesn’t call, but instead folds.

You should also be aware that there are many different variations of the 3-bet. One of the most popular is the 3-bet shove, which is when the player opens the pot by shoving all of his chips over the top of the pot. Another is the squeeze bet, which is when the player uses a larger stack to make a big bet, essentially squeezing out the opponent.

One of the main reasons to make a 3-bet is to maximize your fold equity. In a typical hand, a player has only a 50% chance of winning against a full table of opponents. But if they 3 bet with their best hand, they can force all but one opponent to fold. Against an aggressive opponent, this could mean a large chunk of the pot. That doesn’t mean you should make a huge bet, though. Instead, consider a smaller range of hands that can handle the heat of active 3-betting.

For example, a Q9 is a potential 3-bet. However, it is a very small hand compared to the surprisingly strong AKs. So, it’s not the best possible choice. Luckily, you can find out what the right bets are for you by entering your hand into the program Equilab.