Poker Ranges — Think Like a Pro

A range = the set of all hands the opponent can hold in the current spot, based on what they\'ve done so far. Example: an opponent who opens from UTG in a 6-max game typically has ~14% of hands: 77+, AJs+, KQs, AQo+.

The range isn\'t static — it narrows every time the opponent makes a new decision. A flop call removes weak hands that would fold. A turn bet narrows further. By the river, the range might be just 4-8 specific combos.

1. Preflop: start from the position-based opening range (see the preflop chart).
2. Flop: Continue Range = what the opponent would call/raise against a C-Bet.
3. Turn: Barrel Range is much tighter. Many marginal hands fold.
4. River: Value/Bluff ratio. Does the opponent get to the river with enough bluffs to justify your call?

If the opponent knows you only Value-Bet the river — they\'ll fold everything. If you\'re always bluffing — they\'ll pay off. Solution: a balanced ratio of Value and Bluff in your betting range.

Quick formula: on a Pot-Size Bet, optimal ratio is ~2 parts Value to 1 part Bluff. On Half-Pot Bet, ~3:1.

• Giving the opponent too much credit: "he wouldn\'t bet without TP+" — yes he would. There are always bluffs in a range.
• Underestimating opponent\'s range: "he\'s a fish, he has nothing" — fish hit straights too.
• Value-Betting only nuts: you need Value in medium ranges too, or you leave money on the table vs callers.
• Not thinking about your own range: opponent range matters — but so does yours. What does it look like from the other side?

The only way to internalize this is playing and reviewing. On ClubGG Israel you can log HH and run solvers. Practice thinking in ranges every hand — not specific cards. Join the club. The two spots where range thinking pays off fastest are 3-bet construction and c-betting the flop. More: GTO, pot odds.