Understanding how to use poker ranges is crucial for anyone aiming to succeed in poker. Mastery of ranges helps you recognize which hands to automatically fold from any position or which hands to play from a position.
Additionally, knowing the correct frequency to call or 3-bet preflop keeps your range balanced, making it harder for opponents to exploit your play.
In essence, understanding and using poker ranges allows players to make more accurate decisions based on probabilities, adapt to different opponents, and avoid being predictable at the table.
Here’s everything you need to know about poker ranges.
What Are Poker Ranges?
Poker ranges refer to the spectrum of hands a player could potentially have in a given situation, rather than trying to pinpoint one exact hand. Instead of assigning a single hand to an opponent, experienced players think in terms of ranges, groups of hands that make sense based on how someone has played a hand so far.
For example, a player raising from an early position is likely to have a tight range that includes strong hands like AA, KK, QQ, AK, and AQ. On the other hand, a player calling from the big blind might have a much wider range.
This concept applies to every position at the table: early position players tend to have tighter ranges, while players in later positions, such as the hijack or button, can profitably play a wider variety of hands.
This is why experts recommend playing more hands from a late position. Not only do you have position advantage, but your range is harder to define, giving you a strategic edge.
How to Use Ranges in Poker
1. Know Your Position
The most important step in using poker ranges effectively is understanding your position. If you’re in an early position (like UTG), you should stick to playing premium hands such as AA, KK, QQ, AK, and AQ.
However, if you’re on the button, you can open up your range to include suited connectors like 7♠6♠, gapped hands, weak aces, and lower pairs. Late position gives you more flexibility and allows you to apply pressure with a wider range of hands.
2. Keep Your Bet Sizes Consistent
Don’t change your bet sizes based on hand strength. Many beginners make the mistake of betting big with premium hands and small with weaker ones, which gives away information.
Instead, keep your betting amounts consistent across your range. For example, if you 3-bet with pocket nines, you should use the same sizing when 3-betting with pocket aces, AQ suited, or even A5 suited. This helps conceal the strength of your hand and prevents opponents from narrowing your range.
3. Know When to Fold or Check
Making the correct decision to fold or check is just as important as knowing what hands to play. Let’s say you open with Ace-King from an early position and the big blind calls. The board runs out Q♠–9♦–4♠–10♦–K♣.
You hit the top pair on the river, but the board has straight possibilities, especially hands like Ace-Jack. If the big blind checks you, the best move might be to check back and avoid further losses.
For example, if they’re holding Jack-Nine of clubs, they’ve made a straight and you’re beaten. Recognizing when your hand has lost its value can save you a lot of chips.
Check Out Your Position-Based Ranges Here. Also Checkouts Jonathan Little’s Video on Poker Ranges.
Keep following PokerProNews for more such insightful articles on poker strategy.
Sources: Jonathan Little YouTube Channel & PokerCoaching.Com
