3-bet pots are some of the most misunderstood parts of multi-table tournaments (MTTs). While most new poker players will focus on preflop opening ranges or push/fold decisions, a huge edge in tournaments comes from understanding how to navigate 3-bet scenarios effectively.
Unlike single-raised pots, 3-bet pots are naturally played with shorter stack-to-pot ratios (SPR), which fundamentally changes postflop dynamics. It’s so important to understand which hands to pick and why when the pots are inherently the biggest you will play throughout a tournament. Whether you are the aggressor or the defender, these spots require a strong grasp of both theory and real-world adjustments.
In tournaments, 3-betting is about more than looking for value. You should be looking to apply just as much pressure with appropriate bluffs. With antes in play and stack sizes constantly shifting, players are incentivized to attack opens more aggressively, especially from late position. But with that aggression comes the need for balance, awareness, and precision.
Run It Once Training offers a deep library of content that breaks down these situations from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Below are five essential videos that cover the key components of 3-bet pots in MTTs, from preflop mechanics to postflop execution and exploitative adjustments.
Blue Collar Poker: 3-Betting Mechanics – Kevin Martin
In this video, Kevin Martin breaks down the mechanics behind constructing effective 3-bet ranges in tournament play. Rather than focusing purely on solver outputs, Martin emphasizes a practical, “blue collar” approach building strategies that are easy to execute and profitable against the lower buy-in player pools.
A key takeaway from this video is the importance of understanding why you are 3-betting. Are you targeting a specific opponent who opens too wide? Are you applying pressure from the blinds against late position steals? Or are you simply building a pot with a premium hand? If you only focus on one area of 3-betting, your range becomes unbalanced and predictable.
Martin also highlights the importance of sizing. In tournaments, where stacks are often shallower than in cash games, 3-bet sizing has a direct impact on postflop playability. Smaller sizings may invite more calls, while larger sizings can generate more fold equity but commit a greater portion of your stack.
This video is particularly valuable for players transitioning from theory to application. It reinforces that while solvers provide a baseline, real-world success comes from making clear decisions against the opponents in your field.
WATCH: Blue Collar Poker: 3-Betting Mechanics – Kevin Martin
Squeeze Spots – Ivan Banic
From this point forward, the videos in this guide are created by Ivan Banic, one of the top instructors on Run It Once Training. His 3-bet pot instruction at the Essential subscription level is invaluable for anyone hoping to expand their bag of tricks on the felt. His teaching style blends solver-driven precision with clear, practical explanations, making complex concepts far more accessible and actionable for tournament players.
Squeezing is one of the most powerful weapons in tournament poker. A squeeze occurs when a player 3-bets after there has been both an open and at least one caller, creating a highly profitable opportunity to apply pressure.
Banic demonstrates how dead money in the pot dramatically increases the incentive to squeeze. With multiple players already invested, a well-timed 3-bet can force folds and pick up chips without showdown. But approach cautiously: these spots are highly sensitive to stack sizes, positions, and player tendencies.
One of the most important lessons from this video is that not all squeeze opportunities are created equal. Squeezing from the blinds against a loose opener and passive caller is very different from squeezing in early position against strong ranges. Banic uses solver outputs to show how optimal ranges shift depending on these variables.
He also emphasizes the importance of blockers, also known as hands that reduce the likelihood your opponents have strong holdings. Building these hands into your squeezing range allows you to apply pressure more effectively while maintaining balance.
For players looking to increase aggression in the right spots, this video provides a clear framework for executing profitable squeezes.
WATCH: Squeeze Spots – Ivan Banic
BB vs Button in 3-Bet Pots – Ivan Banic
Big blind versus button is one of the most common situations in tournament poker. In this video, Banic examines how big blind defenders should approach 3-bet pots against button opens.
Because the button opens so wide, the big blind has more incentive to 3-bet aggressively. However, once called, the big blind must navigate postflop play out of position in a low SPR situation. This creates a delicate balance between aggression and control.
Banic uses solver analysis to explore how ranges interact on different board textures. A key takeaway is that range advantage often shifts depending on the flop. While the big blind may have strong hands in their range, the button’s positional advantage allows them to realize equity more effectively.
The video also highlights how continuation betting strategies change in 3-bet pots. Unlike single-raised pots, where high-frequency c-betting is common, 3-bet pots often require more selective aggression. Understanding when to bet, check, or apply pressure across multiple streets is critical.
For players who frequently battle in the blinds, this breakdown offers valuable insight into one of the most common tournament scenarios.
WATCH: BB vs Button in 3-Bet Pots – Ivan Banic
SB vs Button in 3-Bet Pots – Ivan Banic
The small blind versus button dynamic introduces another layer of complexity. Unlike the big blind, the small blind is not closing the action preflop, which changes the preflop dynamics and postflop play.
Banic explores how small blind players should approach 3-betting against button opens across stack depths. Because of positional disadvantage, the small blind often adopts a more polarized and larger 3-betting strategy.
This approach shows how these ranges are constructed and how they perform across different runouts. One of the key insights is that the small blind must be more cautious postflop, as they are always out of position and often face difficult decisions with marginal holdings.
The video goes on to explore bet sizing and frequency adjustments, emphasizing that small blind players must be disciplined in how they apply pressure. Over-aggression can lead to costly mistakes, while under-aggression allows opponents to exploit passivity.
For players looking to refine their blind play, this video provides a detailed roadmap for navigating one of the toughest positions in poker.
WATCH: SB vs Button in 3-Bet Pots – Ivan Banic
Opponent Awareness in 3-Bet Pots – Ivan Banic
While theory provides a strong foundation, tournament poker is ultimately a game of people. In this video, Ivan Banic shifts focus toward exploitative play, examining how opponent tendencies should influence decisions in 3-bet pots.
It’s all about adapting on the fly, according to Banic. Not all opponents respond to 3-bets in the same way. Some overfold, others call too wide, and some aggressively fight back. Recognizing these tendencies allows you to adjust your strategy for maximum profitability.
This video demonstrates how solver baselines can be used as a starting point, but emphasizes that real edges come from deviating intelligently. For example, against players who overfold to 3-bets, you can increase bluff frequency. Against players who call too often, you can tighten up and focus on value-heavy ranges.
The video also explores postflop adjustments, showing how tendencies such as over-calling or under-bluffing can be exploited across multiple streets. This holistic approach reinforces the idea that 3-bet pots are not just about preflop decisions. They are dynamic situations that evolve based on your opponent.
For players looking to bridge the gap between theory and practice, this lesson is essential.
WATCH: Opponent Awareness in 3-Bet Pots – Ivan Banic
Turning Pressure into Profit
3-bet pots are where strong tournament players separate themselves from the field.
In modern MTTs, where aggression and precision are key, mastering 3-bet pots is no longer an option. With high-quality resources like Run It Once Training, players have access to the tools needed to refine their strategy, eliminate costly mistakes, and consistently apply pressure in the most impactful spots.
Whether you’re squeezing more effectively, navigating blind battles, or adjusting to opponent tendencies, improving your 3-bet game is one of the fastest ways to elevate your tournament results.
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