Poker Ranges: Poker Range Charts to Play Winning Poker

Open Raising Ranges

Open raising ranges refer to the hands a player chooses to raise with when first to act in a round, typically from various table positions. These ranges are influenced by the player’s position and the strength of their hand. For example:

• Early Position (EP): Players should open raise with strong hands, approximately 16.1% of possible hands, including all pocket pairs from 22 upwards, suited high cards like AQs+, and suited connectors like KQs.​
• Middle Position (MP): The range expands to about 20.3%, adding hands like AJo and additional suited connectors.​
• Cut-off (CO): Players can open with around 27.3% of hands, incorporating weaker suited connectors and broadway hands.​
• Button (BU): This is the most advantageous position at the poker table, allowing for an open raising range of approximately 42.8%, including a wider array of suited connectors and weaker broadway hands.​
• Small Blind (SB): Similar to the Button, with an open raising range of about 44.8%, but adjustments may be necessary based on the tendencies of the players in the Big Blind.​

Calling Ranges

Calling ranges are the hands a player chooses to call a raise with, rather than folding or re-raising. These ranges depend on factors such as the player’s position, the raiser’s position, and the specific dynamics at the table. For instance:

• Against an Early Position Raise: Players might call with pocket pairs from 22 to JJ, suited connectors like 65s+, and suited broadway hands.
• Against a Middle Position Raise: The calling range can include similar hands, with slight adjustments based on the raiser’s tendencies and table dynamics.​
• On the Button (BU): Players have the advantage of position and might call with a broader range, including suited aces and additional suited connectors.​

3-Bet / 4-Bet / 5-Bet Ranges

These ranges pertain to re-raising strategies after an initial raise:

• 3-Bet Range: Typically includes premium hands such as AA, KK, QQ, JJ, and AK. Against opponents with a wide opening range, players might also include hands like AQs and TT.​
• 4-Bet Range: Often consists of the strongest hands like AA and KK. However, against aggressive 3-bettors, players might incorporate bluffs with hands like A5s to balance their range.​
• 5-Bet Range: Generally reserved for the absolute strongest hands, primarily AA and KK, especially in deep-stacked situations.​

Postflop Ranges

Postflop ranges involve decisions on whether to continue in a hand after the community cards are revealed. Factors influencing these ranges include:

• Board Texture: Players should continue with hands that connect well with the board, such as top pair, flush draws, or straight draws.​
• Position: Based on your position, players gain more flexibility to continue with a wider range of hands.
• Opponent Tendencies: Against aggressive opponents, players might tighten their postflop range, whereas against passive opponents, they might continue with a broader range.​

Understanding of poker postflop ranges is crucial for maximizing profitability and is a topic explored in various poker strategy resources.

The Poker Hand Matrix

The Poker Hand Matrix is a 13×13 grid that systematically displays all 169 possible starting hands in Texas Hold’em. Pocket pairs are positioned diagonally from the top-left to the bottom-right, while suited and offsuit combinations occupy the upper and lower triangles, respectively. This visual tool allows players to quickly assess and select specific hands, aiding in the construction and analysis of hand ranges. By highlighting particular cells within the matrix, players can effectively communicate and strategize about potential holdings.

Percentage Form (%-Form)

Percentage Form represents the proportion of all possible starting hands that comprise a given range. With suits factored in, the 169 potential starting hands expand into 1,326 unique hand combinations. To calculate the percentage form of a specific hand, the number of its possible combinations is divided by 1,326. For instance, pocket Aces have six possible combinations, meaning their percentage form is approximately 0.45% (6/1,326). This method is particularly useful when correlating observed playing frequencies with specific hand selections. If an opponent raises 15% of the time preflop, this format allows players to construct a range that aligns with that frequency, improving their ability to anticipate likely hands.

Range Combos

Range Combos focus on the exact number of possible combinations for each hand within a range. Understanding that there are six combinations of each pocket pair, four suited, and twelve offsuit combinations for non-paired hands enables precise calculation of an opponent’s potential holdings. For instance, recognizing that there are 16 total combinations of Ace-King (four suited and twelve offsuit) allows players to assess the likelihood of an opponent holding this hand. This detailed analysis is crucial for making informed decisions based on the frequency of specific hands within a range.

Range Strand

The Range Strand utilizes textual notation to concisely represent hand ranges. Common shorthand includes symbols like “+” to denote all hands of a certain category and higher. For example, “22+” signifies all pocket pairs from twos upward, while “AQ+” encompasses Ace-Queen and stronger hands. This format is especially beneficial in written communications and forums, allowing for clear and efficient sharing of range information without visual aids.

Using HUD and Poker Tools

HUDs and various poker software tools have become indispensable for modern players seeking to analyze and calculate poker ranges effectively. HUDs provide real-time statistics on opponents’ behaviors, such as their VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money in Pot) and PFR (Pre-Flop Raise) percentages. By interpreting this data, players can deduce the likely range of hands an opponent plays from different positions. For instance, a player with a high PFR from an early position may have a tighter, stronger range. Additionally, tools like equity calculators allow players to input specific ranges and community cards to determine the equity of their hand against an opponent’s range. This quantitative approach aids in making informed decisions about whether to call, raise, or fold in various scenarios.​

Combinatorial Calculations

Combinatorial analysis involves assessing the number of possible hand combinations an opponent might have, providing a more precise understanding of their range. In Texas Hold’em, there are 1,326 possible starting hand combinations, including 169 unique hand types when suits are not considered. By analyzing factors such as the player’s position, betting patterns, and the community cards, one can narrow down the plausible hands an opponent holds. For example, if the board shows three hearts and an opponent raises significantly, combinatorial calculations can help estimate the likelihood that they have a flush, based on the number of heart combinations available. This method enhances decision-making by providing a structured way to evaluate the strength of an opponent’s potential hands.​

Key Factors Affecting Ranges

Several critical factors influence the determination and calculation of online poker ranges:​

• Position: A player’s position at the table significantly affects their range. Early position players typically have tighter ranges due to the increased number of opponents acting afterward, whereas late position players can afford to play a wider range of hands.​
• Player Tendencies: Determining whether an opponent is aggressive or passive, tight or loose, allows a player to naturally estimate their range of likely hands. Observing their historical actions provides insights into their playing style.​
• Betting Patterns: The size and timing of bets offer clues about hand strength. For instance, a large raise pre-flop from an early position may indicate a premium hand, while a small bet might suggest a drawing hand or a weaker holding.​
• Stack Sizes: The amount of chips a player has can influence their range. Short-stacked players might push all-in with a wider range, whereas deep-stacked players may play more speculative hands, leveraging their chip advantage.​

By meticulously analyzing these factors and utilizing available tools, players can more accurately calculate poker ranges, leading to more strategic and profitable gameplay.

Preflop Poker Ranges

In preflop situations, understanding and implementing poker ranges is crucial for establishing a solid foundation for the hand. Effective use of preflop ranges involves several strategic actions that can be tailored to the dynamics of the game.​

Postflop Poker Ranges

After the community cards are revealed, the application of poker ranges becomes more dynamic, requiring continuous assessment and adaptation. Effectively utilizing postflop ranges involves analyzing the evolving board texture and opponents’ actions to make informed decisions.​

Understanding GTO Poker

Game Theory Optimal (GTO) poker refers to a strategy where a player makes decisions that are balanced and unexploitable, regardless of an opponent’s actions. By employing GTO principles, players aim to create a strategy that cannot be countered effectively, ensuring profitability against any opponent over the long term. 

This involves balancing bluffs and value bets, as well as defending against bets at frequencies that prevent opponents from gaining an edge. While GTO provides a solid foundation, it requires a deep understanding of optimal frequencies and can be complex to implement fully in live play.​

Exploitative Play and Range Adjustments

Exploitative play focuses on identifying and capitalizing on opponents’ specific tendencies and weaknesses. For instance, if an opponent consistently folds to 3-bets, a player might adjust by increasing their 3-bet frequency with a wider range of hands to exploit this tendency.

Conversely, against a loose player who raises 50% of hands preflop, adopting a strategy that includes 3-betting a wider range to isolate the loose player becomes advantageous. The key to successful exploitative play lies in keen observation and adaptability, allowing players to adjust their ranges and strategies dynamically based on the behavior of their opponents.

Cash Games vs Tournament Ranges

The strategic considerations for hand ranges differ significantly between cash games and tournaments due to structural and contextual variations. In cash games, with deep and relatively static stack sizes, players often employ tighter ranges, emphasizing post-flop playability and long-term profitability. 

For example, in a $2/$5 cash game, the blinds remain constant, allowing for consistent strategic approaches. In contrast, poker tournaments feature increasing blinds and antes, which can lead to shorter effective stack sizes as the game progresses. This dynamic necessitates adjusting ranges to include more aggressive plays and a willingness to commit chips with a broader range of hands, especially in late-stage scenarios where survival and chip accumulation are critical.

The ABC Player

The ABC Player sticks to a basic and predictable approach in their gameplay. They bet confidently with strong hands but tend to check or fold when their hand is weak. Often playing passively and avoiding risks, they become vulnerable to aggressive strategies, as they usually fold when faced with significant pressure or bold moves from opponents.

The Bluffer

The Bluffer thrives on aggression, frequently betting and raising, even when holding weak hands in an attempt to intimidate opponents. To beat them effectively, it’s essential to play a tighter range, remain patient, and call their bluffs with strong hands, capitalizing on their tendency to over-bet and make costly mistakes.

The Thinking Player

The Thinking Player is adaptable and strategic, always adjusting their approach based on the situation at hand. Their balanced and calculated play style makes them tough to exploit and difficult to predict. However, with careful and consistent observation of their habits, you may uncover subtle patterns or weaknesses that can be used to your advantage.

Showdown Hand Breakdown

A thorough breakdown of hands that reach showdown offers deep insights into both one’s own play and that of opponents. By examining the actions taken at each stage—preflop, flop, turn, and river—players can assess the effectiveness of their strategies and decision-making processes. For instance, evaluating whether a continuation bet on the flop was appropriate given the board texture and opponent tendencies can reveal areas for adjustment. Utilizing tools like hand history converters and replayers facilitates this analysis, allowing for a clear reconstruction of the hand’s progression.

Pro Tip: Look for Patterns

Identifying recurring patterns in gameplay is essential for strategic development. By recognizing consistent behaviors—such as frequently folding to 3-bets or overvaluing marginal hands—players can address specific leaks in their game. Additionally, observing patterns in opponents’ play, like tendencies to bluff in certain situations or favor particular bet sizes, enables the formulation of counter-strategies. Regular post-session reviews, focusing on these patterns, contribute to a more adaptive and resilient approach at the tables.

Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF)

Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF) is a strategic concept that dictates the proportion of one’s range that must be continued—either by calling or raising—when facing a bet, to prevent opponents from profiting through excessive bluffing. The formula for MDF is:​

• MDF = Pot Size / (Pot Size + Bet Size)​

For example, if an opponent bets $50 into a $100 pot, the total pot becomes $150. Using the MDF formula:​

• MDF = $100 / ($100 + $50) = 0.67 or 67%​

This calculation suggests that to remain unexploitable, one should continue with the top 67% of their range in this scenario. Implementing MDF helps balance defense strategies, ensuring opponents cannot gain an edge through persistent aggression.

Big Blind Defense Strategies

Defending the big blind effectively is crucial, given the forced investment and positional disadvantage. Key strategies include:​

• Assessing Raise Sizes: Adjust defense ranges based on the size of the open raise. Versus a standard 2.5x raise, defending with a broader range is viable, while larger raises warrant a tighter defense.​
• Considering Positional Dynamics: Against late-position openers, who typically have wider ranges, one can defend more liberally, including hands like suited connectors and weaker broadways.​
• Leveraging Pot Odds: The existing investment in the big blind provides favorable pot odds, justifying calls with a wider array of hands, especially when facing smaller raises.​

Implementing these strategies enables players to minimize losses and capitalize on opponents’ attempts to exploit the big blind.

Adjusting to Your Opponent

Tailoring one’s strategy to exploit specific opponent tendencies is vital. For instance, against an opponent who frequently folds to aggression, increasing bluffing frequency can be profitable. Conversely, versus a calling station, emphasizing value betting with strong hands becomes advantageous. Continuous observation and adaptation to opponents’ behaviors allow for the effective application of poker ranges, enhancing overall strategic effectiveness.​

Key Stats for Analyzing Ranges

To effectively analyze poker ranges using a HUD, attention should be focused on several critical statistics:​

• Voluntarily Put Money in Pot (VPIP): Indicates the percentage of hands a player chooses to play. A high VPIP suggests a loose player engaging with a wide range of hands, while a low VPIP points to a tight player with a more selective range. For instance, a VPIP of 40% or higher may denote a loose player, whereas a VPIP below 15% indicates a tight player. ​
• Pre-Flop Raise (PFR): Represents the percentage of hands a player raises before the flop. Comparing PFR with VPIP helps identify playing styles; a significant gap between the two may indicate a passive approach, whereas similar values suggest aggression. For example, a player with a VPIP of 25% and a PFR of 5% is likely passive, often calling rather than raising.
• 3-Bet Percentage: Measures how frequently a player re-raises before the flop. A higher 3-bet percentage indicates a propensity for aggression and a likelihood of a broader re-raising range. For example, a 3-bet percentage above 5% suggests a more aggressive re-raising strategy.
• Fold to 3-Bet: Shows how often a player folds when facing a 3-bet. A high fold percentage can be exploited by increasing 3-bet frequency against that player, knowing they are likely to fold to re-raises.
• Aggression Factor (AF): Evaluates post-flop aggression by comparing the frequency of aggressive actions (bets and raises) to passive ones (calls). A higher AF suggests an aggressive post-flop strategy, while a lower AF indicates passivity.

By closely monitoring these statistics, players can construct accurate profiles of their opponents’ playing styles and likely hand ranges, facilitating more strategic gameplay.

Gathering Information and Making Adjustments

Accumulating data through HUD statistics enables players to make informed adjustments to their poker strategies. For instance, if a player exhibits a high VPIP but a low PFR, they are likely entering many pots without raising, indicating a passive style. In response, one might adopt a more aggressive approach, raising more frequently to exploit their passivity. Conversely, against an opponent with a high 3-bet percentage, tightening one’s opening range or being prepared to 4-bet with stronger hands can be effective. Continuous observation and adaptation based on HUD data are key to maintaining a strategic edge.​

Always Think in Ranges

Instead of assigning a specific hand to an opponent, consider the entire range of possible hands they might have based on their actions. For example, if a tight player raises from an early position, their range likely includes premium hands such as AA, KK, QQ, AK, and AQ. By thinking in terms of ranges, players can make more nuanced decisions rather than relying on guesses about individual hands.

Shrink Ranges as You Go

As a hand progresses, use the information from each betting round to narrow down the possible hands an opponent might hold. For instance, if an opponent who raised pre-flop continues to bet on a low, uncoordinated flop, they may have a high pocket pair. However, if they check the turn when a scare card appears, it might indicate weakness, allowing you to further refine their range.

Pay Attention to Bet Sizing

An opponent’s bet sizes can provide valuable clues about the strength of their hand. A sudden large bet may indicate a strong hand or a bluff, depending on the player’s tendencies, while a small bet might suggest a drawing hand or marginal strength. For example, a player who typically bets half the pot, but suddenly bets full pot on the river may be representing a very strong hand.

Know Your Opponent

Understanding an opponent’s playing style—whether they are loose or tight, aggressive or passive—can significantly aid in hand reading. For instance, a loose-aggressive player is more likely to bluff, whereas a tight-passive player may only bet with strong hands. Tailoring your reading strategy to the specific tendencies of your opponent enhances accuracy and effectiveness.

Don’t Play Low Pocket Pairs When Short-Stacked

When holding a short stack, typically around 20 big blinds or fewer, playing low pocket pairs (such as 22 to 66) becomes less advantageous. The primary strength of these hands lies in their potential to form sets, but the implied odds diminish with a shorter stack. Investing a significant portion of a limited stack to chase a set can be detrimental, especially when the likelihood of hitting one is approximately 12%. In such scenarios, it’s often more prudent to conserve chips and await opportunities with higher equity.​

Play More Suited Hands Than Offsuit Hands

Suited hands offer increased potential for flushes and straights, providing additional avenues to win pots. For instance, a hand like 8♠7♠ can connect with the board in multiple ways, enhancing its playability. Conversely, offsuit hands lack this versatility, reducing their post-flop strength. Integrating more suited hands into one’s range can lead to improved outcomes, as they offer both high card strength and the possibility of strong draws.​

Don’t Overvalue Low Suited Connectors

While low suited connectors (e.g., 5♥4♥) can occasionally yield strong hands, they often require specific board textures to realize their potential. The frequency of flopping a straight or flush with these hands is relatively low, and they can be vulnerable to higher straights or flushes. Overcommitting with low suited connectors can lead to unfavorable situations, especially against opponents with stronger holdings. It’s advisable to play these hands selectively and be cautious about investing heavily without a substantial draw or made hand.​

Play Tighter Than You Think from Early Position

Early position requires a more conservative approach due to the increased number of players acting afterward. Opening with a wide range exposes one to potential re-raises and challenging post-flop scenarios. Focusing on premium hands like high pocket pairs and strong broadway cards enhances one’s ability to navigate the hand effectively. This disciplined strategy helps maintain a robust table image and reduces the risk of playing marginal hands out of position.​

The Essence of Hand Ranges Is Balance

Achieving balance in hand ranges prevents opponents from exploiting predictable patterns. A well-balanced range includes a mix of strong hands, drawing hands, and occasional bluffs, making it challenging for adversaries to discern one’s holdings. For example, incorporating both value bets and bluffs in similar situations keeps opponents uncertain and can lead to more profitable decisions. Striving for balance ensures adaptability and resilience against various playing styles.