Introduction to poker ranges

A range< is the collection of hands a player might logically play based on their actions. Instead of guessing a single exact hand, good players estimate the probability of many hands that fit the situation.

Example: If an opponent raises from early position in a 9-handed Texas Hold'em game, their range might include strong pairs (99+), broadway cards (AQ+, KQ), and occasionally suited connectors, but unlikely junk hands like 7-2 offsuit.

Beginners often try to “put someone on a hand.” This is too specific and usually wrong. Thinking in ranges makes you a stronger, more accurate player. Key benefits:

• Helps make informed betting decisions against many possibilities.
• Prevents overconfidence in a single read.
• Allows for balanced strategy considering your own range too.
• Forms the foundation of Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategy.

Ultimately, poker is a game of range vs range, not hand vs hand.

Preflop hand selection is the most important range concept for beginners. Your opening range should depend on table size, position, and playing style.

• Tight Ranges: Early position opens with fewer strong hands (e.g., 99+, AQ+).
• Loose Ranges: Late position (cutoff, button) opens wider, including weaker suited hands and connectors.
• 3-Bet Ranges: Hands strong enough to re-raise (QQ+, AK), sometimes mixed with suited bluffs like A5s.
• Calling Ranges: Hands good enough to continue but not raise, such as medium pairs and suited broadways.

Example: UTG open range might be 88+, AQ+, KQs. Button open range can include much wider holdings like 22+, A2s+, K9s+, 76s+, and many offsuit broadways.

After the flop, ranges interact with the board. Some players have more strong hands than others depending on position and preflop action.

• C-Bet Range: Hands an aggressor bets with after raising preflop (value + bluffs).
• Check Range: Hands strong enough to continue but better checked for balance or pot control.
• Calling Range: Hands that can profitably call a bet (pairs, draws, overcards).
• Raising Range: Strong hands and semi-bluffs that pressure opponents.

Example: On an A♠7♠2♦ flop, the preflop raiser's range has more strong Aces and nut flush draws than the caller's range, giving them a range advantage.

Range advantage means one player's range overall connects better with the board. Nut advantage means one player is more likely to hold the absolute best possible hands.

Example: On a K♠K♦5♣ board, the preflop raiser has more kings in their range than the caller. They have both range advantage and nut advantage.

These concepts guide betting strategy: the advantaged player bets more often; the disadvantaged one plays cautiously.

Good ranges include a mix of value hands and bluffs. This balance prevents opponents from exploiting you.

• Value Range: Hands you expect to be ahead when called (e.g., top pair+).
• Bluff Range: Hands too weak to win at showdown but with blockers or equity (e.g., missed draws, suited wheel Aces).
• Polarized Range: Strong value + bluffs, few medium-strength hands.
• Merged Range: Many medium-strength hands betting for value against weaker ranges.

• Putting opponents on one exact hand instead of a range.
• Overestimating how wide opponents' ranges actually are.
• Failing to adjust ranges by position and stack depth.
• Ignoring board texture when evaluating ranges.
• Bluffing with hands that have no equity or blockers.

• Think in ranges, not single hands.
• Preflop: play tight early, wider late.
• Postflop: ranges shift with board texture.
• Range advantage = who connects best overall.
• Nut advantage = who can hold the best possible hands.
• Build ranges with value + bluffs for balance.

Mastering ranges is a cornerstone of advanced Texas Hold'em strategy. Start small, and expand your understanding as you gain experience.