What is the optimal strategy for defending against a 4-bet?

Example for Question: What is the optimal strategy for defending against a 4-bet?

Question: What is the optimal strategy for defending against a 4-bet?

• A) Always call and see a flop.
• B) Fold unless you have a premium hand or a well-balanced range. (Correct Answer)
• C) 5-bet bluff frequently to put pressure on your opponent.
• D) Call with speculative hands like suited connectors.

Explanation: When facing a 4-bet, you should generally fold unless you have a premium hand or a hand that is part of a balanced 3-betting range that can withstand further aggression. This minimizes the risk of putting too much money in the pot with a hand that is likely behind.

Expanded Example:

Imagine you’re playing in a $1/$2 No-Limit Hold’em cash game. You’re on the button with pocket Jacks (J♠ J♦). The action folds to you, and you raise to $6. The player in the small blind, who is known to be an aggressive and competent player, 3-bets to $20. This is a standard 3-bet size, and it doesn’t immediately signal extreme strength. However, you know this player is capable of 4-betting light and also of 4-betting with very strong hands.

You decide to 3-bet to $60, trying to take control of the hand and putting pressure on the small blind. But then, the small blind 4-bets to $180.

Understanding the Situation:

1. Pot Size and Commitment: After the 4-bet, the pot size is $240 ($60 from your 3-bet + $180 from their 4-bet). You’ve already put $60 into the pot, but to continue, you would need to commit an additional $120, bringing the total pot to $360. This means you’d be playing a large pot out of position against a strong opponent if you call.
2. Strength of 4-Betting Range: A 4-bet typically indicates a very strong hand, especially from an aggressive player in the small blind. Their range for 4-betting could include hands like Aces, Kings, Queens, and Ace-King. Occasionally, they might bluff with something like Ace-Queen or suited connectors, but against most opponents, 4-betting usually indicates a very narrow and strong range.
3. Your Hand’s Strength: While pocket Jacks are strong, they are not typically strong enough to confidently face a 4-bet, especially if you don’t know for sure that your opponent is capable of 4-bet bluffing frequently. If they hold Aces, Kings, or Queens, you are significantly behind, and if they have Ace-King, you’re in a coin-flip situation at best.

Why Folding is Often Optimal:

• Avoiding High Variance: By folding, you avoid putting more money into the pot with a hand that is likely to be behind or in a high-variance situation. Even though you’ve already invested $60, the $120 required to call the 4-bet is a significant additional commitment with a hand that might not be the best.
• Preserving Your Stack: In cash games, preserving your stack is critical. By folding in this spot, you conserve your chips for more favorable situations where you have a clearer edge.
• Long-Term Profitability: If you consistently fold hands like Jacks or weaker to 4-bets, you protect yourself from losing big pots against stronger hands. You can always adjust your strategy if you notice your opponent 4-betting too frequently, but in general, it’s better to fold unless you have a very strong hand like Aces or Kings, or a well-balanced 3-bet range that can include some strong bluffs.

Example Hand Outcomes:

• If You Call: If you call the 4-bet and the flop comes something like Q♣ 7♦ 3♠, you’re left in a difficult spot. Your opponent might have Queens, which dominates you, or Ace-King, which could bluff or hit an overcard on later streets. You’ll be forced to play a large pot out of position, likely without knowing where you stand.
• If You 5-Bet Shove: 5-betting all-in could put maximum pressure on your opponent, but it’s a very risky move. If they have a premium hand like Aces or Kings, you’re in a terrible position. Even if they fold, this is a high-variance play that might not be optimal in the long run, especially against a strong opponent who might only call your shove with hands that have you crushed.
• If You Fold: By folding, you avoid these tough post-flop decisions and the risk of losing a large pot. You accept that pocket Jacks, while strong, are not worth committing a significant portion of your stack in a situation where your opponent is likely to have a very strong hand.

Key Takeaway:

When facing a 4-bet, folding is often the best option unless you have a premium hand like Aces or Kings, or you have a very well-balanced 3-betting range that includes some strong bluffs. This strategy minimizes your risk of losing large amounts of money with hands that are likely behind and allows you to wait for better opportunities where you can get your chips in with more confidence. By understanding when to fold, you maintain the integrity of your stack and avoid costly mistakes.