Explanation of Range
There are numerous techniques to define a player's range, including: representing a range in poker.
1. Using frequencies. When we talk about a player's range , we often express it as a percentage of all potential opening hands. For instance, we might say, “The opponent opens with a 27% range from the cutoff position.”
2. Through general characterizations. A range can be described using broad terms like \"tight\" or \"wide,\" or it may emphasize certain types of hands. For example, saying a range is \"weighted towards one-pair\" indicates that the hands in that range are primarily single pairs. More details can be found under the section 'types of range ' related to strategic applications.
3. Using precise algebraic expressions. This method is deemed the most reliable for denoting a range since it catalogs every possible hand combination. The specific notation can vary depending on the game type. Here are a few examples from Texas Hold’em.
AJo+ - Indicates all off-suit Ace with a Jack or higher, meaning hands such as AJo, AQo, and AKo.
66-JJ – Represents every pocket pair ranging from 66 to JJ, inclusive.
T7s+ - Signifies any suited T7 or any hand valued higher, including T7s, T8s, and T9s. (Note that TJs, being suited Jack, does not fall under this grouping.)
9c7d – Illustrates a specific combination when needed. Here, it refers to the Nine of clubs and Seven of diamonds.
Practical Example of Using Range in Context -> Always remember to assign your opponent a range before determining your optimal play.
Incorporating Range into Your Poker Strategy
Assessing your opponent's range of potential hands is a vital skill for achieving success in poker. Since it’s almost impossible for most players to remember every possible hand combination within a range , it’s advantageous to think in terms of categories of range . Here are some conventional definitions for various ranges .
Depolarized/Merged/Linear – Describes a range that contains the top x% of possible hands. For instance, a typical No Limit Hold'em player may initiate a 27% depolarized range of hands from the cutoff position.
Polarized – Represents a dual component range comprised of a value segment and a bluff segment, which do not need to be of equal proportion. Depending on the stronger presence, a polarized range might be referred to as “weighted towards bluffing” or “weighted towards value.”
Capped – Signifies a range that barely includes or completely excludes hands exceeding a certain strength. For example, if a range is described as being “capped at one-pair holdings,” it indicates a lack of, or rare holding of, two pairs or stronger hands.
Condensed – This kind of range has a similar concept to a capped range , in that it avoids high-strength hands. The major distinction is that while a capped range may have weak holdings, a condensed range generally does not and mostly consists of mid-strength made hands.
Strong/Weak/Weighted-Towards/Tight/Wide – These terms can be useful descriptors that provide additional context about a range . However, the only true way to accurately represent a range is by detailing all combinations that belong to it.
A helpful first step in grasping ranges is to understand that condensed and polarized ranges often come hand in hand. Let’s illustrate this concept with a quick example from Hold'em.
Board: 9 ♥ 8 ♥ 2 ♣
Player 1 makes a continuation bet on the flop in a heads-up situation within a single raised pot.
Player 2 calls the continuation bet.
Turn: 3 ♦
While not delving too deeply into specific actions, it’s important to recognize that player 2 would likely have raised if they possessed a strong made hand. This is due to the fact that the board texture has potential draws, and player 2 wouldn’t want to be outdone by player 1 on the draw. Hence, it stands to reason that player 2's hand at this point is likely either a pair or a drawing hand, indicating a condensed range . On the contrary, player 1 maintains an uncapped range that may include strong hands like sets or two pairs, particularly as they continue to bet on the turn and river. In this situation, player 1’s range develops into a divide, featuring a mix of strong made hands and bluffs, because it’s usually illogical for players to bet significantly across multiple streets using medium-strength hands.
See Also
Read , Tells , Backdoor , Hold’em , Omaha , Wrap , Flop , Nuts , Hand Rankings , Set