My Flop C-Bet Strategy

It's time to start making resolutions, so why don't you resolve to improve your flop c-betting strategy this year! Phil breaks down the intricacies of how best to understand the concepts behind optimal play instead of just trying to memorize what a solver would do in various flop c-betting scenarios. If this helps and you find some new approaches from watching, subscribe to the channel for more (if you haven't already)!
00:00 Phil's Flop C-Bet Strategy
01:16 Phil vs. Solver in Flop C-Betting Strategy
02:12 Understanding the Concepts Behind Optimal Play is Key
05:07 Getting Your Flop C-Bet Strategy Absolutely Perfect Doesn't Help You Unless You Play it Absolutely Perfectly Too
06:36 Trying to Build Your Strategy Through Memorization is a Hopeless Effort
07:36 Applying Human Logic to Solver Outputs
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My Flop C-Bet Strategy
Producer: Thomas Deming-Henes
Post Producer: Anne Johnson
Music: Epidemic Sound
"Grounded" by Smartface
"Bruiser" by Bonkers Beat Club

[@dwarner9158]

Loving this style of content. As an options trader, we were taught to construct a thesis to be reviewed before every trade and subsequently reviewing how the trade went and why. As a 20 year poker player, most solver work I have put in over the years, I could not produce proof of work/reasons of how I arrived at my decision (to Phil’s point) if asked. This is one thing that I think we all struggle with. Most students of courses would fail when asked to produce written proof of work. Relying on memorization is not the way to go and videos like this show us we are not alone in these struggles lol. Great topic!

[@coolbeans8682]

Young Phil is wise beyond his years.

[@andrewleonard3809]

Phil Kessel?

[@moyssy89]

Really enjoy your content, feels wise, calm and humble. Wish you all the best for 2023.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks so much! Wishing you all the best this coming year right back!

[@TakenGTs]

Man this video is probably the most useful Poker tips video on KZbin... Nothing but valuable information... I started playing poker for free at the beginning of the year, I have studied a ton too... And after all that I realized poker in a nutshell is just c bets & reads lol knowing what boards too c bet what to check or raise and the bet sizes on those textures...

[@jbpokerwar8962]

This man has the best information, phil tells it like it is. I agree cbets, knowing what boards to cbet, ranges...but high stakes it gets crazy but 1/2 and 2/5 it's a pretty good strategy

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! The things you mention are key, for sure, but it doesn’t just end there imo. There’s always more to learn. As long as you stay curious and hungry, you’re on the right track!

[@Eric-tj3tg]

Thanks Phil, as always. For me, videos where you play and explain as you play, especially NL, would be great to watch and learn.

[@coreyhuggins5785]

agreed!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you for the suggestion! Maybe some live streams?

[@timbolimbo4447]

​@@PhilGalfondsome live Play whould be nice

[@DSU588L1]

Hey Phil thanks to share with us. It's always a pleasure to hear you

[@Eric-tj3tg]

@@PhilGalfond That would be great. Throw in a PKO, maybe (my personal favorite)?

[@roycereece6092]

I really enjoyed this video. The concept reminded me of piece sacrifices in chess. The actual sacrifice move can be a great move but only if followed up by the rest of the sequence. Otherwise the move was a blunder and you just gave away a piece. As for future content, I would appreciate more multiway live concepts. Maybe what factors influence play with more players. Multiway is difficult to get from solvers still so getting some heuristics would be helpful.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! I love the chess comparison and I saved your suggestion in a doc. Happy New Year!

[@j.sarnak1391]

The "pitch" is a little better! Be more assertive! I know some will attempt to disagree , but this video perfectly explains why as training aids improve, we still only have a small percentage of people who will get max value. I think learning in "concepts" or in the "why" something works is much better than memorizing. Thanks for the content Phil!

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome and thank you for the feedback! It’s really appreciated.

[@jackryan716]

Make more no limit videos. Really enjoy the information you put out. Your insight and knowledge helps me grow. I think a combination of game theory and exploitative works the best. If I had to choose one it would be exploiting my opponents weaknesses. To put it simply identify the players who over call and to overfold. Target the ones who overfold by bluffing them at a higher frequency. Same with the ones who over call; bluff them less value bet them more. Of course poker isn't black and white as the truth lies in the gray area, the fine detail. Understanding when people begin to adapt is important. Sometimes players will come to the realization that you're not bluffing them and they will start to fold more to you than they otherwise normally would have before. That's why adjustments are very important. If you aren't consciously aware then you should be leaving the table. After a certain length of time passes my conscious thinking becomes less and less as the brain has been working for 8 hours it becomes almost a liability rather than an asset. The goal should always be to play your A game like you've attested to in prior videos

[@talksomenoise7423]

Best poker videos I've seen. Finally someone who is more open and straight forward about the nuance of poker. It can't be mastered by memorizing a bunch of information without context of how to use that information in each situation. This is why I never bought into GTO. A person could never memorize all the possible solutions to a given situation, and if you could why the hell are you playing poker go out and solve the cancer problem or world hunger. Keep up the great videos and I will continue to like and recommend them to all I know.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you so much! To make sure I don’t lead you astray - studying GTO play can be tremendously helpful, but I don’t believe it should be studied in a way that involves memorization and assumes that copying it is the goal.

[@talksomenoise7423]

@@PhilGalfond agreed. Not saying I don't believe in studying and applying GTO concepts, I just don't believe anyone can play perfectly. I talk to many players who can't explain why they are doing what they are doing other than saying because it's GTO.

[@burneraccount6130]

@@talksomenoise7423respectfully think you might have misunderstood what he’s saying. He’s saying purely memorizing isn’t helpful whenever you don’t understand the why or thought processes behind the solver. Instead of aiming to copy, understanding is the better method, as it will inform your decisions and thought processes.

[@talksomenoise7423]

@@burneraccount6130 maybe I'm not being clear because I thought I was saying the same thing. Oh well I still love his videos.

[@burneraccount6130]

@@talksomenoise7423 I think where I got lead astray was when you said u didn’t buy into GTO bc of just purely memorization, and I was saying the tool isn’t meant for that anyways.

[@edwardkain5006]

Love “then why can’t they beat me?” Fair question/point but doesn’t mean I didn’t lol Would love a c bet strategy by board time or just a board time discussion. You are the man!

[@vladimirelgrande754]

Thank you Phil for tons of valuable explanations. And a happy New Year!

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re welcome and Happy New Year!

[@MDKdogma]

Really enjoyed this video. Something I'm trying to dive into is validating/fact-checking the "human logic/theory" that one might come up with after reviewing solver outputs. Feels like such an undertaking! Thanks for taking the time, as usual!

[@Lukas-qf2uh]

I'm new to poker and already hooked, and I've been looking around for content creators trying to get a sense of who seems to know what they're talking about (tough to do when you're brand new at something!) I knew your content was the stuff to study when I heard your reservations about AI technology and pure statistical approach to poker (and in other areas of life generally). It will make you think and act mechanically- precisely what makes you vulnerable in a people reading game like poker.

[@PhilGalfond]

Poker is awesome! Welcome 🙂 It’s really tough to figure out who knows what they’re talking about and who will lead you astray. Well done thinking critically about that. To be clear, I don’t suggest memorizing AI strategies but I DO recommend learning from them and using human logic to apply what you’ve learned in game, including adjusting to your opponents. Good luck!

[@thedonator7164]

I realized this a long time ago but it’s really nice to have someone way smarter than me confirm that I’m not an idiot

[@borg972]

This video was truly great and summed up what's important in studying and why. I just wish it had a better title because in a year I'll never know it really isn't about c-bet strategy when I'll go over videos in consideration of what to rewatch 😺😺

[@PhilGalfond]

Any title suggestions?

[@borg972]

@@PhilGalfond Hmm perhaps something like "My C-Bet Strategy & The importance of understanding over memorization" 😺

[@borg972]

update: really glad I did manage to find it a year later, even though it required opening a few other vids to find the right one 😺😺😺

[@mazevedo7778]

Literally the best free poker content out there thanks Phil

[@jack42011]

excellent insight, looking forward to your elaborations on some comments you made about which hands get two streets, three streets etc

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! I’ve noted that down for future videos. Thanks for suggesting!

[@DangerD72]

Enjoying the videos, keep doing what you are doing. I think you can make this channel big, especially with the increased video frequency.

[@Ironfrog-dm3yf]

Amazing content! I remember watching your HUNL content when I started back in the day. You playing someone called something like luckexpress comes to mind, I loved your vids then and still do

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! I remember those days 😃

[@coreyhuggins5785]

such a great point for online players getting too invested in frequencies and exacting solver plays (me!)

[@PhilGalfond]

Glad it hit home!

[@stephanie4205]

New to your channel... nice set up! Your thumbnail designs are beautiful... tight typography. Anyway, I'm also loving your content!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks so much, Stephanie. Welcome!

[@buhitp1616]

Thanks a lot Phil! Happy 2023!

[@PhilGalfond]

Happy 2023!

[@jeffduncan5207]

Good Stuff. Exactly. I've shared Phil. Lets get these numbers up!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you very much!

[@insomnyteq]

Can you imagine how good you could be if Phil taught personal lessons?? Another great video. We almost need a dud at this point to balance.

[@christianbache4074]

All your videos is very good,no doubt.And mostly so because you have the rare skill of being extremely good in the art of explaining concepts in a concrete easy understanding way. Boiling it down to what matters,and what doesent.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you, Christian 😊. I’m glad you’re enjoying them.

[@NSUCarlos]

Appreciate the content man, keep up the great work

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks so much for commenting to let me know! I’ll keep making it!

[@Tsunami-]

Excellent insight, appreciate the video. Looking forward to more, thank you very much!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!!

[@JordanWStroud]

This is excellent content. I almost never comment on a video. Please, keep going. This is great.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you for commenting! I’m really glad you enjoyed enough to do so!

[@dustynh4288]

Love the content keep it up .. CAN U PLEASE HAVE VIDEOS ABOUT COMING UP N MAINTAINING THE EARLY DAYS IN ONLINE POKER BRM , DAILY SCHEDULES MULTI TABLING SHOT TAKING ... ETC.. thank you so much

[@PhilGalfond]

I’ve got a file where I keep suggestions like these for future videos. Thank you!

[@johnmar6376]

Awesome! I play with this 76-year-old lady that only calls bets. AA preflop=call, QQ=call, I have never seen her lose money.

[@andrewpayette621]

In 2015, I submitted a video to RI1 and after Galfond took a look at it, I was rejected. For a long time I took it personally. I wish I put more effort into that video because I always wonder 'what if'. Also, it wasn't the best effort I could have made. I can clearly see the production time and effort into these videos posted recently and I appreciate them all a great deal. Tyvm Phil

[@PhilGalfond]

🙈 I’m sorry to have played a part in disappointing you, but I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos!

[@andrewpayette621]

@@PhilGalfond All good. Thanks for taking the time to look at it back then.

[@raunoremmel7430]

Having a bit better memory than average in a factual-memory lines, I would say memorizing sims is very very very beneficial. But at the same time, you need to understand what you are doing, not just mimicking an expression.You dont want to be a solver psychopath, but solver-empath. ... Anyway few days ago, I had this funny thought in my mind that "what could have happend if Stu Ungar with his photographic memory would be playng today with having the sims of Pio with his skills of being able to remember every single action for some period of time to point of no mistake" This would be absolutely insane xD

[@Schubeedoobee]

that is GREAT insight about Solvers/AI... feed a man and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.

[@mateisidiki9433]

Smartest content ever , thumbs up💪

[@apocalypsepromotions7676]

Good afternoon Phil, and happy new years eve weekend to you!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! Happy New Year’s to you and yours!

[@joemarcklinger724]

I liked it, will have to watch a few times, but very good, thanks for the effort, much appreciated.

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome! I appreciate you letting me know you enjoyed it. Any suggestions for future video topics?

[@joemarcklinger724]

@@PhilGalfond I have been studying Spanish on the computer, DuoLingo, takes 5 to 10 minutes a day and it works well, have done 30 days in a row. Never studied poker 30 days in a row. My point is perhaps shorter videos, 4 or 5 minutes, with more simplified concepts. No saying your information isn't great it is, just a bit complex, at least for me. Thanks for your hard work.

[@Jeff_Mastro]

How does Optimal overcome an opponent who randomly varies hands he opens with, C-bets or bluffing strategies?

[@Saveourcountry17]

Thanks Phil seems I find you easier to understand you would make a excellent teacher keep the content coming sir

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks, Paul. Will do!

[@rob9802]

When you C-bet with those backdoor possibilities, as in the example in this video, and then you barrel on the turn after picking up equity, how do you choose which brick rivers to put in the third barrel? I feel like understanding this decision is a massive EV shift one way or the other, and I struggle with knowing whether I'm right or wrong in real time.

[@mothecat776]

PHIL. I know you are a PLO guru, a heads'up specialist. BUT.. could you delve into some Hold'em and full ring strategy? Thanks!!

[@juhanviik]

Love thees videos. Good stuff!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!

[@cross-eyetime8939]

Thanks Phil .I’m winning more money now that I listened to your videos 😊

[@PhilGalfond]

So happy to hear that!

[@bartsupino813]

A combination of book smart and street smart. You certainly need both to get through every situation, Your explanation show that this is a fact Thanks for going through the process

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re very welcome!

[@stephanie4205]

I think what would be an interesting video is the Top 5 Hardest Hands You Played and how you worked through them.

[@alexw4366]

Love this bet making you do more content. RIO has helped me more than probably any other source. If only you could make a bet to get Sauce to produce more. Love these types videos on studying btw. One of learning to spot and attack weak ranges would be great selfishly because I feel making these big non-semibluff bluffs is one of my weaker skills.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! I’d love to get Sauce to make more content - We’re trying! And thanks for the suggestion. I’ve saved it!

[@hiddanek]

Hi Phil. Thanks for all the content! Very high quality

[@PhilGalfond]

You’re welcome! Great question that I’m going to save for a potential future video, as it depends on a lot of factors. For now I’ll say, as long as you’re playing low enough stakes and putting a bit of effort in, I think you can be a winning recreational player.

[@hiddanek]

Thank you! Looking forward for the video.

[@Mbolila]

Hi Phil, you are great and I like your videos. Please keep making them!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you!! I will!

[@johnvanbiesbrouck5591]

Phil, the cbet strategy is on point, but what's going on with the hair strategy?

[@charlesmurray3255]

This is great advice and i am thankful for it , however, I need guidance on a basic 3bet Strat, so this isn't helpful for me, once again, thank you for taking the time :)

[@jeffblazeos4083]

Your content is amazing, your community engagement is off the charts, and you're quite good looking You really wanna win this content bet :p

[@PhilGalfond]

🤗

[@karimjomeen]

Hey Phil if have the chance a video on how to exploit an array of players in live plo, would be great !

[@TheHtrero0204]

Great info. As always.

[@raphaelbrunis8851]

Keep on posting ❤❤❤!!!

[@PhilGalfond]

Will do! ❤️

[@jeremylafolette7767]

Hi Phil, thank you for the videos. Where would you recommend for someone to start studying poker/game theory?

[@tiddlewink101]

Enjoying these videos nice work, would you be able to do one on a general subject of preparing early for 2023 WSOP - e.g. what kind of games to target, mark ups and money management, day to day life schedule while in Vegas,

[@tiddlewink101]

Maybe just generic ideas for any live series and what kind of mistakes/pitfalls to avoid (as a serious player…not your standard degen!)

[@PhilGalfond]

Saved this suggestion. Thank you!

[@Michaelperry1985]

Great work Phil!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks 😊

[@bluedonkey180]

Good video. Just subbed

[@jayp3517]

I play holdem but this helps me with the way I’ve been trying to study.

[@ApprenticeGM]

Phil has been a Boss since he invented G-Bucks :) 2 decades later he's still at it!

[@segawalker3302]

What are the best sites to improve? I never use solver

[@jbpokerwar8962]

Phil so many more people here now....good job

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks 😊

[@nasujii]

Amazing content as always!

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you for watching and letting me know!

[@bradensmith8170]

Goat poker content. It’s not even close.

[@PhilGalfond]

😊 thank you so much

[@wesleydiolata3467]

This is interesting Phil lots of things to remember and consider. Are you still one of the best PLO player in world online?

[@wordTwoWise]

For sure- solvers just say what’s optimal but not the logic behind it…which is challenging at times. What’s also interesting is how things change multi way with solvers

[@maxwelllittle5291]

Considering that for every possible flop there are something like 47(45 in PLO) possible turn cards and for every possible turn there are 46(44) possible river cards it quickly gets impossible to memorize individual spots - you need to have a framework which includes the underlying strategy otherwise you will not only make mistakes yourself but will also not be able to exploit your opponents mistakes. Either way you are leaving money in the table.

[@MrJoosebawkz]

Can you put in your thumbnails or titles if a video is about PLO vs NLH?

[@burtondavid1054]

Phil. I love your videos wish you would focus more on PLO like in this one then that boring game of no limit

[@burtondavid1054]

I personally think no limit should just be banned in the US at this point, and the euros should be banned as well

[@burtondavid1054]

Can you make a video on why the euros should be banned? Lol

[@PhilGalfond]

Thank you! If you haven’t yet, check out some of my KZbin Shorts. I go over some high-stakes HU PLO hands.

[@iwentforawalktoday]

If you are young enough, you can memorize all relevant situations. Me and Galfond are too old. But if you studied for years you could do it. And you would dominate.

[@cannonmcintosh6531]

Love the exploit videos!

[@timbolimbo4447]

Great free content. Keep going...

[@PhilGalfond]

Will do! Thanks.

[@jeremyjernigan5018]

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS MAN'S CHANNEL! Keep it up Phil!

[@sultankhair7017]

Best content !

[@qsdailydose8970]

Yes more videos!

[@Brian-vk1hm]

Great video.

[@PhilGalfond]

Thanks, Brian 😊

[@karlbeard29]

I think micro stakes and low stakes if you have it bet big

[@Pokerfarhang]

Great example, if you don't understand why the solver does what it does, it can hurt you more than it helps you

[@PhilGalfond]

Exactly! I’ve seen so many people make mistakes because of this.

[@fabricelalain4681]

Au top Phil THX from

[@Dynamice1337]

I play a lot of small stakes live no limit. I suspect a solver does a very poor job of representing the very poor play of some of my opponents. Aggressively value betting moderate strength hands is key for my bottom line. Bluffing is tough against opponents who "look you up" on any board with any pair, but they will routinely dump their 1/2 buy in stack with top pair bad kicker.

[@rishabjain7825]

Most of the games these days are plo5. Could you please guide us.

[@PhilGalfond]

Unfortunately, I’m not experienced in plo5.

[@mjrnj]

Are your videos almost exclusively for PLO? Love your content, but I only play NLH...

[@PhilGalfond]

Almost all of my KZbin videos are focused primarily on NL!

[@mjrnj]

@@PhilGalfond I'd still watch you either way, I really like how you interpret things and then phrase your perspective. Good to know though! You've got a dedicated sub right here, I'll be sure to share too. Run well!

[@grologrolovic4193]

3:40 - in what world can you cbet 94o?

[@grologrolovic4193]

I mean, show me a spot, where 94o is in the RFI range?

[@grologrolovic4193]

But that said I like your advice and your videos in general! 🤩But imo you could have used a better example here. 😉

[@CMPSTWWE]

My strategy 99% c-bet except akx flop with kq/kj

[@adrianoalves20]

The more the merrier! : D

[@PhilGalfond]

🙂

[@SummumBonum.]

Walking a thin line between confidence and arrogance.

[@JonPaulMorris]

Wish the title said PLO

[@PhilGalfond]

The advice doesn’t have anything to do with PLO specifically. It applies to all games.

[@notermsofuse]

I would play you and I bet a lot of other players would play you, but not your stakes. The pool of players for your stakes is a lot smaller than the pool of smaller stakes players. It is possible to find better players than you at smaller stakes.

[@lukixpogo2254]

Solvers are dumb. They don’t account for how the opponent plays. Solvers assume your opponent plays perfect gto solver approved poker. But no one does. Poker is about figuring out you opponents tendencies and finding the way to make them make mistakes. It also doesn’t account for live reads. If you suck at bluffing but use solvers to choose when and where to bluff you will burning money. You need to figure out whst your strengths and weaknesses are in poker and build your own strategy around that. Solvers can help give you ideas of spots to bluff. So I’m not saying it has no merit. But you are better off creating your own strategy based off your skill set and the players you play. If ppl are calling stations pot control more and bet bigger w made hands. If they fold too much bet smaller and more frequently… etc

[@iudqnolq7658]

Memorize something without understanding is just not the way to learn most things.

[@claudiakoning]

OK, people like this vid, because they like you and what you represent. The thing is just what is the point of this video? Everybody is going to know exactly the same as they knew before they watched your video. But hey, it sounds likeable, right?

[@PhilGalfond]

Agree to disagree 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@victorv9500]

Tytyty

[@PhilGalfond]

Ywywyw 🙂

[@SuicidelG]

this whole video is based on an assumption that can't be proved either way

[@PhilGalfond]

What assumption is that?

[@SuicidelG]

@@PhilGalfond Ok, I shouldn't have said "cannot be proven" as technically you could potentially track every person down who did better than you on this test and see if they can beat you or vice versa. But, thats probably pretty unrealistic? I would have to state as a disclaimer, I don't play plo, I've never used this software and I don't know who you are lol....I just came home drunk and this was in my YT recommends for some reason. With that said, you're right in not having a rigid c-bet strategy as it's all situational.

[@fr4171]

hey phil, i have cracked some of your leaderboards and i DO wanna play you heads up! hit me up fishcakes!

[@PhilGalfond]

😃

[@fr4171]

@@PhilGalfond so... 5c/10c or lowstakes?