Explanation of Gap
A \" gap \" denotes the interval separating two of your concealed cards in poker. This gap can comprise one, two, or three ranks, leading to classifications such as one- gaps , two- gaps , and three- gaps . Whenever a starting hand features a gap, it is commonly referred to as a \" gapper \".
Grasping this concept becomes much clearer when illustrated with specific examples.
In Hold’em:
9h7h – This hand presents a one- gap between the Seven and Nine, earning it the designation of a \"suited one- gapper \". Other examples of similar holdings include 86s, T8s, and J9s.
Tc7h – This hand exhibits a two- gap separation between the Ten and the Seven, categorizing it as a \"suited two- gapper \" along with hands like J8o, Q9, and 85o.
Ts6s – In this hand, there exists a three- gap difference between the Ten and the Six. Therefore, it is referred to as a \"suited three- gapper \", and shares its classification with hands like J7s, Q8s, and 95s.
Any Hold'em hand that has a larger gap is typically deemed to lack connectivity.
The term \" gap \" is also applicable to analyzing starting hands in different poker variants. For instance, in Omaha, the hand T876 is identified as having a \"top gap \" since the separation occurs at the upper end of the rank sequence. Conversely, T986 would be labeled a \"bottom gap \" rundown, while T865 would be noted as a \"double gap \" rundown due to containing two gaps .
Example of Gap used in a sentence -> (Hold’em) While suited connectors are generally stronger than suited one-gappers , the latter still can be viable options.
Incorporating Gap into Your Poker Strategy
Gaps are not usually favored when selecting starting hands. In the context of Hold’em, hands that are suited tend to outperform suited- gappers , and suited- gappers generally fare better than suited-two- gappers . In terms of constructing a hand range, it is improbable that a player would include T8s in their defensive range while simultaneously folding T9s. connectors When it comes to starting hands in Omaha, players must consider both the size and location of the gap . Smaller gaps are preferred wherever possible, and it is advantageous to have the gap positioned lower in the rundown sequence rather than higher. Thus, T986ss is seen as a more desirable starting hand compared to T876ss. Having gaps higher in the rundown increases the likelihood of flopping weaker straight draws, which can turn into problematic situations in Omaha.
Interestingly, the most extensive Omaha wrap can only be created with a rundown featuring a two- gap structure, such as T965. Although this configuration might offer up to 20 outs, it's crucial to remember that nut draws carry significantly more utility than non-nut draws in Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO). Therefore, despite the high out count, the 20 out wrap isn't generally regarded as the most favorable option.
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See Also
Omaha , Wrap , Rundown , Connector , Suited , Hold’em , Straight , Nuts