Continuation Bets - The continuation bet is a great tool in a poker player's game
Continuation bet – to bet after the flop when you have raised preflop. Continuation bets can almost be counted on with some players. They never change their pattern, they raise preflop, and bet on the flop.
Instead, a player should take in a variety of factors to make an informed decision. The player should take note of the texture of the flop. If I have As-Ks and the flop is 9h-10h-Jc then I should rethink a continuation bet, there is a high chance it hit my opponent or opponents if there are multiple. With each opponent, my odds get worse. Why throw good chips after bad?
Your position can make the decision for you. I may get a hand like Qs-Js raised preflop. When the flop hits As-Kh-2d, and I am last to act, why bet? There are two over cards and if I bet and get raised there is no way I can call but if I just check, I have a chance to get a 10 for a straight.
I might raise with 9h-9s and the flop comes Ah-9d-3c. In this case, I might check because I am so far ahead that anyone with an ace will either bet behind me or if I am last to act, probably bet the turn.
A predictable continuation bet just means my opponents can trap me easily. I raise preflop, then bet the flop and get raised. Now if I have medium hand, I either have to fold or probably loose more chips if I call. If you check every time you miss and bet every time you hit, then that also becomes predictable and your opponent knows to bet when you check and fold when you bet.
Mixing up your continuation bets will throw opponents off balance as they will not know if you have nothing or a monster. It is however, more profitable to continuation bet more than checking as long as you do mix it up.
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