Good preflop 3-bet sizing is less about finding a single perfect number and more about adopting a simple, repeatable plan. This article gives clear heuristics you can use at the table, explains the why behind each rule, and includes a step-by-step decision framework and worked examples. You will learn coach-backed baselines, how to size squeezes, when stack depth changes the math, how live tables differ from online pools, and how to practice the plan with a small set of preferred sizes.

Anchor your 3-bet to the opener's raise and use IP ~3x, OOP ~4x to 4.5x as reliable baselines.

Add roughly +1x the open per caller for squeezes to deny callers better pot odds.

Solvers show multiple size nodes can be similarly effective if ranges are adjusted coherently.

Quick answer: practical 3-bet sizes and what they aim to achieve

Short summary of recommended baselines

For a quick, table-ready rule of thumb for bet size poker: anchor your 3-bet to the opener's raise and use roughly 3x the open when you are in position, and about 4x to 4.5x when you are out of position in a single-raise pot. This baseline balances fold equity with manageable pot sizes and gives a clear starting point you can apply at tables immediately, rather than memorizing fixed big-blind increments, which are less flexible in modern play Upswing Poker 3-Bet Sizing Tips

How to use this article

This piece gives short rules, worked examples, a decision checklist and a compact sizing chart so you can pick a practical 3-bet size by position, opener size, callers and stack depth without chasing an exact theoretical optimum.

Funded Plays Challenges

Explore the challenges

How to use this article

Read the quick answer, then skim the decision framework and the practical sizing chart before applying the rules in live or online play. Use the examples and checklist sections to convert the heuristics into a repeatable habit and visit the Funded Plays blog.

Why 3-bet size matters: fold equity, pot control and range mechanics

What sizing changes in a hand

3-bet sizing directly changes three strategic levers: how often opponents fold, the effective pot odds for callers, and how your own range fares postflop. Larger 3-bets increase fold equity, making opponents fold marginal hands more often, while smaller 3-bets reduce fold equity but keep more hands in the pot for postflop play; understanding that tradeoff is the key to good bet size poker GTO Wizard article on 3-bet sizing

Tradeoffs: fold equity versus multiway risk

When you size up you gain fold equity but you also inflate the pot with hands that might be dominated, creating larger postflop commitments. When you size down you invite more callers, which increases the chance of set-mining and multiway situations that can neutralize some of your equity if you do not have the nut advantage in your range. Solver-driven work shows multiple size options can be near-equivalent in EV when ranges are adjusted coherently, so focus on the strategic goal rather than micro-optimizing a single size.

Baseline heuristics: in position versus out of position

Recommended baseline sizes and why

Practical baselines tie the 3-bet to the open raise size: on standard single-raise pots the coaching consensus recommends around 3x the open when you are in position and about 4x to 4.5x when you are out of position. Anchoring to the opener's raise keeps your sizing proportional across different open sizes and preserves fold equity in a predictable way Upswing Poker 3-Bet Sizing Tips. See HHDealer's guide.

Why anchor to the opener's raise size

Anchoring to the opener's raise is more robust than fixed big-blind increments because openers vary widely by pool and by game type. A fixed BB approach can under- or oversize your 3-bet when opens are unusually big or small, so using a multiplier of the open keeps your plan consistent and makes post-session analysis easier.

simple 3-bet calculator tied to any opener size

use Multiplier 3 for IP and 4.5 for OOP

Anchoring to the opener's raise size

Keeping range construction coherent across sizes means you should define which parts of your range you 3-bet with at each multiplier and practice balancing those ranges. If you switch frequently between many arbitrary sizes, range-balance becomes harder to maintain and your solver drills will be less informative GTO Wizard 3-bet sizing

Squeezes and multiway spots: adding size per caller

How callers change effective odds

Each caller improves the immediate pot odds for the remaining players, so a 3-bet sized like a single-raise 3-bet will look much cheaper to callers in multiway spots. To deny those improved odds and restore fold equity you should increase size when there are one or more callers behind you Red Chip Poker guide to 3-betting

A simple add-on rule for squeezes

A practical rule many coaches use is to add approximately +1x the open per caller when you squeeze. That means if the open is X, a squeeze facing one caller might be around 4x X, and with two callers nearer 5x X. This restores the caller's cost to call and often forces lighter ranges to fold, reducing multiway equity against your value-heavy or polar ranges.

Close up of a players hand holding two cards next to a small calculator and paper with written multipliers demonstrating bet size poker calculation on a minimalist dark table

Short calculation example

If the opener raised to 3 bb and one caller limped in, applying the +1x rule yields a squeeze near 4x the open, so aim around 12 bb as the total 3-bet sizing in that example, which helps deny profitable calls to speculative hands and preserves fold equity 888poker Magazine on 3-bet sizing and squeezes

Stack depth and how it compresses or expands your sizes

Standard 100bb heuristics

At standard 100bb effective stacks, the IP and OOP multipliers described earlier are the most practical: 3x the open in position and about 4x to 4.5x out of position for single-raise pots. These heuristics assume typical deep but finite stacks and are good defaults for both online and many live cash games GTO Wizard 3-bet sizing guidelines. See a GTO and live player guide at poker.pro.

Short-stack compression and deep-stack adjustments

When stacks are shorter, sizes compress and jam or shove-first lines become more common. With deep stacks you can justify slightly larger 3-bets to reduce multiway play and deny set-mining odds, because the implied postflop decisions are less constrained and larger bets discourage passive calls. Watch for clear signals to switch modes, like approaching tournament bubble stretch or when opponents show a clear tendency to stack off over certain sizing bands.

Practice structured sizing in FundedPlays Challenges

Practice the 100bb and short-stack adjustments in review sessions, focusing on a small set of sizes you can apply reliably.

Explore the challenges

Live versus online: when real tables need different absolute sizes

Why live games often use larger absolute sizes

Live cash games typically feature larger absolute opens and more multiway tendencies than many online pools, which means the same IP to OOP ratio often requires a larger absolute 3-bet to generate the same fold equity in live play. Translating your online baseline requires a small upward adjustment to the numeric sizes when opens are large or callers are frequent PokerNews guide on live vs online 3-bet sizes

How to translate online baselines to live cash games and tournaments

Keep the same multiplier approach but scale the absolute numbers up when playing live: if you use 3x IP online versus a 3 bb open, a live open to 4 bb suggests using the 3x multiplier on that larger baseline instead of keeping the same numeric 9 bb target. Testing adjustments at the table and in low-stakes sessions will quickly tell you whether your scaled sizes restore fold equity in that live pool.

Solver perspective: why multiple sizes can be near-equivalent

Size nodes and coherent range adjustments

Solvers show that multiple 3-bet size nodes can achieve near-identical EV when ranges are shifted coherently to match each size. That means you can often pick two or three sizes and tune your ranges to those nodes rather than chasing a single theoretical optimum, which simplifies practice and keeps postflop balancing manageable Upswing Poker solver-aware guidance

To help you reflect on your own plan

How should I pick a practical 3-bet size?

Pick a baseline multiplier anchored to the opener and your position, add increments per caller, then adjust for stack depth and live versus online conditions while keeping a small, repeatable set of sizes.

When you decide on a preferred set of sizes, practice building ranges that work with each node so the solver implications are less stressful; this is more productive than trying to micro-optimize an isolated size without coherent range adjustments. Also review Funded Plays evaluations.

Practical sizing chart and quick reference

Baseline chart: single-raise pots and squeezes

Here is a compact, copyable reference for bet size poker that you can use in notes or a study sheet: IP baseline about 3x the open, OOP baseline about 4x to 4.5x the open, and add roughly +1x the open per caller when squeezing in multiway spots. Keep a short set of preferred numeric targets derived from these multipliers for faster decision making at the table Red Chip Poker on sizing baselines

How to calculate a size step by step

Step 1: note the opener's raise size in big blinds. Step 2: pick the multiplier based on your position and whether you face callers. Step 3: calculate candidate 3-bet using the multiplier and add caller increments if necessary. Step 4: check stack depth and scale down or record a shove threshold if stacks are shallow.

Worked example steps

Example: opener to 3 bb, in position, no callers. Use Multiplier 3. 3 bb times 3 equals 9 bb as a simple 3-bet target. If one caller is in, add roughly +3 bb under the +1x rule for a squeeze near 12 bb. For out of position versus a 3 bb open, use multiplier 4 to 4.5, giving a 3-bet target near 12 to 13.5 bb, which you can round to a tidy numeric size that you practice consistently Card Player column on sizing by position

Minimal vector diagram showing open raise chip stack and larger 3bet stack with arrows and small chips added per caller illustrating squeezes bet size poker

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Sizing mistakes beginners make

A frequent error is using a single fixed size in all spots without accounting for opener size, position, callers, and stacks. That fixed-size mistake destroys proportional fold equity and makes your range vulnerable in unexpected ways. To correct it, anchor to the opener and learn a small set of multipliers you can use reliably Upswing Poker sizing tips

Practical corrections

Another common live error is failing to increase absolute sizes versus big opens and multiway tables. The easy fix is to keep your multipliers but apply them to the larger live opener, and to practice making a simple rounding rule so you do not fumble sizes at the table. During study, review hands by grouping them by opener size and adjusting the 3-bet calculation before checking equity outcomes.

A simple decision framework: step-by-step for picking a 3-bet size

Inputs: opener, position, callers, stacks, pool

Inputs in order of priority: opener size, your position relative to the opener, number of callers behind you, effective stack depth, and table tendency. Use these inputs quickly before acting to select a baseline multiplier and an optional caller increment GTO Wizard decision inputs

Output: pick a size and a backup size

Decision algorithm: pick baseline by position anchored to the opener, add increments per caller, then adjust for stack depth and live versus online conditions. Record a backup numeric size and a shove threshold for edge cases so you do not hesitate when the table action is fast.

Quick checklist version

Checklist: 1) Opener size noted. 2) Position determined. 3) Callers counted. 4) Stack depth checked. 5) Apply multiplier, add caller increments, and pick tidy numeric size.

Example hands and scenarios: apply the rules in practice

Single-raise IP and OOP examples

Example 1, in position: opener raises to 3 bb from early position, you are on the button with a mixed range. Use multiplier 3 and pick a tidy 3-bet near 9 bb. This size preserves fold equity against marginal opens and keeps stacks manageable postflop for your hand selection Upswing Poker example guidance

Example 2, out of position: opener raises to 3 bb, you are the big blind with a polarized 3-bet range. Use multiplier 4 to 4.5 and select a 3-bet near 12 to 13.5 bb to both protect your weaker holdings and to reduce profitable calls from speculative hands. See Run It Once on how to play against a small 3-bet sizing OOP.

Squeeze and multiway examples

Example 3, squeeze: opener to 3 bb, one caller in middle position, you are on the button. Apply the +1x per caller rule and aim near 12 bb for the squeeze. The larger size increases the cost for the caller and often folds out hands that would fare well in multiway pots but fold poorly to larger isolation sizing Red Chip Poker squeeze guidance

When to choose a different action

Choose a call or flat more often when stack depth favors postflop play and your implied odds with speculative hands are high. Choose a shove when shallow stacks compress math in favor of all-in lines, or when you need a simple exploitative adjustment against a frequent raiser who never folds to 3-bets.

When to deviate: table dynamics and exploitative adjustments

Signs to tighten or widen sizing

Increase sizes when opponents call frequently, when open raises are large, or when you face players who rarely fold to 3-bets. Reduce sizes when openers are overly tight, when the table is passive and multiway play helps your range, or when the meta-game rewards smaller isolations PokerNews on exploitative sizing

Adapting to opponents and pool tendencies

Document adjustments and retest them in review sessions; avoid changing sizes mid-session without evidence because ad hoc deviations can leak information and create predictable patterns. Use a consistent experiment window, record outcomes, and revert or adopt changes based on tracked results.

Summary checklist and next steps for practice

Short checklist to memorize

Memorize this compact checklist for bet size poker: anchor to the open, IP ~3x, OOP ~4x to 4.5x, add roughly +1x per caller, compress sizes for short stacks and scale up slightly for deep stacks or live tables.

How to practice and track progress

Practice using a small set of sizes in session work, run solver drills focused on two size nodes, and review hands grouped by opener size to see how your chosen multipliers performed. Consistent practice and disciplined review will improve your ability to pick sizes that match both your ranges and the pool tendencies Upswing Poker practice recommendations. Visit Funded Plays.

Final note

There is no single universally optimal 3-bet size in 2026; effective play uses adaptable rules-of-thumb anchored to opener size, position, callers and stacks. Prioritize a clear plan, keep a short list of preferred sizes, and iterate with measured study rather than chasing perfection GTO Wizard summary

What multiplier should I use for a standard in-position 3-bet?

A common baseline is about 3x the opener when you are in position, anchored to the opener's raise rather than a fixed big-blind amount.

How much larger should a squeeze be per caller?

A simple rule is to add roughly +1x the opener per caller to restore fold equity and deny improved pot odds to callers.

When should I compress sizes or shove instead?

Compress sizes or consider shove lines when effective stacks are shallow; for deeper stacks you can increase 3-bet sizing to discourage multiway play.

Use the checklist and decision framework in your next review session and commit to a small set of sizes to practice. Track outcomes by opener size and adjust only after measured experiments. Consistent, disciplined study and simple heuristics outperform chasing a single theoretical optimum in practical play.

Quick answer: practical 3-bet sizes and what they aim to achieve

Short summary of recommended baselines

How to use this article

Why 3-bet size matters: fold equity, pot control and range mechanics

What sizing changes in a hand

Tradeoffs: fold equity versus multiway risk

Baseline heuristics: in position versus out of position

Recommended baseline sizes and why

Anchoring to the opener's raise size

Squeezes and multiway spots: adding size per caller

How callers change effective odds

A simple add-on rule for squeezes

Stack depth and how it compresses or expands your sizes

Standard 100bb heuristics

Practice structured sizing in FundedPlays Challenges

Live versus online: when real tables need different absolute sizes

Why live games often use larger absolute sizes

How to translate online baselines to live cash games and tournaments

Solver perspective: why multiple sizes can be near-equivalent

Size nodes and coherent range adjustments

Practical sizing chart and quick reference

Baseline chart: single-raise pots and squeezes

How to calculate a size step by step

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Sizing mistakes beginners make

Practical corrections

A simple decision framework: step-by-step for picking a 3-bet size

Inputs: opener, position, callers, stacks, pool

Output: pick a size and a backup size

Example hands and scenarios: apply the rules in practice

Single-raise IP and OOP examples

Squeeze and multiway examples

When to deviate: table dynamics and exploitative adjustments

Signs to tighten or widen sizing

Adapting to opponents and pool tendencies

Summary checklist and next steps for practice

Short checklist to memorize

How to practice and track progress

References