Poker 4-Bet Chart
How often does a preflop 4-bet need to work as a pure bluff? This poker 4-bet chart lists folds needed and the 3-bettor's MDF for common sizes — 2.2× through 4× a 3-bet — in a live $1/$2 spot. Pair it with the 3-bet chart, the fold equity chart, the MDF chart, and the free bluff calculator.
4-bet sizing chart: folds needed and MDF
Setup used for every row: $1/$2, open to $6, 3-bet to $18, pot facing the 4-bettor = $27 (blinds $3 + open $6 + 3-bet $18). You have not put chips in yet (cold 4-bet or opener's re-raise treated the same for pot math).
| 4-bet size | % of pot | Folds a pure 4-bet needs | 3-bettor MDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2× 3-bet ($40) | 148.1% | 59.7% | 40.3% |
| 2.5× 3-bet ($45) | 166.7% | 62.5% | 37.5% |
| 3× 3-bet ($54) | 200% | 66.7% | 33.3% |
| 3.5× 3-bet ($63) | 233.3% | 70% | 30% |
| 4× 3-bet ($72) | 266.7% | 72.7% | 27.3% |
Folds needed = bet ÷ (pot + bet). MDF = pot ÷ (pot + bet). They always add to 100%. Numbers assume a pure bluff (zero equity when called) heads-up versus the 3-bettor only.
The formula
Folds needed = bet ÷ (pot + bet)
MDF = pot ÷ (pot + bet) = 1 − folds needed
Same math as every other bet on this site — and nearly the same fold targets as a 3-bet. A $54 4-bet into a $27 pot puts $54 at risk to win $27, so you need two folds in three as a pure bluff. That is why light 4-bets die against sticky 3-bettors who continue half the time.
Compare: the overbet chart covers 100–300% pot postflop; a standard 4-bet lands in that same fold-% band before the flop even comes.
Worked example: $54 (3×) into a $27 pot
$1/$2. Open $6, 3-bet $18. Pot is $27. You make it $54.
- Folds needed (pure): 54 ÷ 81 = 66.7%. Two folds in three and the bluff breaks even.
- 3-bettor MDF: 27 ÷ 81 = 33.3%. He must continue about one-third of the time or pure 4-bet bluffs print.
- Check: 66.7% + 33.3% = 100%.
Against a light 3-bettor who folds 70% to 4-bets, a polar $54 re-raise clears. Against a tight 3-bettor who continues 50%+, you need a plan when called — premiums, blockers, or a shove plan — or you should cut the light share. The calculator models postflop bets; use this page for the preflop size decision, then the c-bet chart once the flop lands.
Worked example: $45 (2.5×) — the cheaper light size
Same $27 pot, now a smaller 4-bet of $45 (2.5× the $18 3-bet).
- Folds needed: 45 ÷ 72 = 62.5%.
- 3-bettor MDF: 37.5%.
Dropping from 3× to 2.5× cuts the pure fold target from 66.7% to 62.5% and risks $9 less when called. That is why many in-position light 4-bets favor the smaller end — you still apply pressure, but the break-even bar is a little lower. Out of position, players often size up (3–3.5×) so the pot is not too small for a tougher postflop seat; that raises the bluff fold target again.
When to 4-bet small vs large
Smaller (≈2.2–2.5× the 3-bet). In position, versus wide 3-bets that fold often enough, or when you want a lower break-even for polar bluffs (A5s-type blockers). You lose less when called.
Larger (≈3–4×). Out of position, versus smaller 3-bets, or with hands that want a big pot (QQ+, AK). Bigger sizes force more folds from dominated hands — but as pure bluffs they need 67%+ folds in this $1/$2 setup, so keep the light share honest.
Skip the light 4-bet. Multiway pots (everyone must fold), 3-bettors who almost never fold, or no plan for the flop. Calling a 3-bet multiway changes the math entirely. Stack depth matters too: see the SPR chart for how deep you are after the 4-bet lands.
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See it on Amazon →4-bet FAQ
What is a 4-bet in poker?
A 4-bet is a re-raise after a 3-bet. The blinds are the first bet, the open is the second, the 3-bet is the third, and your re-raise is the fourth. Live cash often 4-bets to about 2.2–3× the 3-bet in position, larger when out of position or with premiums.
How often does a pure 4-bet bluff need to work?
Folds needed = amount you put in ÷ (pot facing you + amount you put in). Facing an $18 3-bet into a $27 pot, a $54 4-bet (3×) needs 66.7% folds as a pure bluff; $45 (2.5×) needs 62.5%; $72 (4×) needs 72.7%. Light 4-bets need a clear fold target or a plan when called.
Why do 4-bets need so many folds?
A 4-bet is usually a large fraction of the pot already there — often ~1.5× to 2.5× pot — so bet ÷ (pot + bet) lands in the 60–75% range, same size class as a 3-bet. Postflop half-pot bets only need ~33% folds.
What is MDF facing a 4-bet?
Minimum defense frequency = pot ÷ (pot + bet). Facing a $54 4-bet into $27, MDF is 33.3%. Facing $45, MDF is 37.5%. Fold more often than that and pure 4-bet bluffs print. Stack depth and opener/3-bettor ranges change how often they should continue.
When should you 4-bet small vs large?
Smaller (≈2.2–2.5× the 3-bet) keeps the fold target lower and loses less when called — useful for light polar 4-bets in position. Larger (≈3–4×) builds a bigger pot with premiums and pressures more of the 3-bet range, but needs 67%+ folds as a pure bluff. Versus sticky 3-bettors, lean value-heavy or skip light 4-bets.