A block bet is a reduced-sizing bet (typically 20-33% pot) made by the out-of-position player to reduce the risk of facing a large bet from the in-position opponent. By betting first, the OOP player can observe a call or raise with additional information while controlling pot size with medium-strength hands. In modern GTO theory, block bets are less common than in classical poker, as solvers frequently prefer check-call or larger bets for medium value hands. Block bets carry greater exploitative relevance against highly aggressive in-position opponents.