Position Scenario Description

Assume a heads-up pot. You are the first to act on the river and bet, and the opponent raises from late position. Common scenario: after the turn, the pot is medium, you bet about 66-75% pot, and the opponent raises to about 3x. Your range needs to defend to avoid being exploited, while only calling with strong value hands and suitable bluff catchers.

Recommended Range (Hand Types)

• Value Calls: Top pair top kicker (e.g., K♠Q♥ on K-8-3-2-7 rainbow board), set, two pair, straight/flush (be cautious with low-end holdings).
• Medium Strength Calls: Middle pair (e.g., 8-8 on 8-6-4-2-9 board), bottom pair with blockers (e.g., A♠8♠ on 8-5-4-3-2 board, blocking a straight).
• Bluff Catchers: Hands that block the opponent's value range, such as holding A♣ on a completed flush board (blocking the nut flush).

Range Construction Logic

1. Value Defense: The top part of your betting range must call. Typically, you are getting pot odds of 33% (facing a 3x raise), so you need to defend at least 25% of your hands.
2. Blocker Effect: Prioritize calling hands that block the opponent's value raises, e.g., top pair that blocks top set.
3. Board Texture: On paired boards (e.g., 4-4-4-9-K), tighten your calling range; on wet boards (e.g., possible straights/flushes), include more high cards.

Adjustment Factors

• Opponent Tendencies: Aggressive opponents often over-bluff – widen your calling range; conservative opponents have a narrower value-raising range – tighten up.
• Bet Sizing: Small raise (2x) requires a wider call; large raise (4x+) – keep only the strongest hands.
• History: Has the opponent bluffed on river raises before? Adjust frequency accordingly.

GTO Reference

In standard GTO models, facing a river raise, the call frequency is about 60-70% of your betting range. Example: If your river betting range consists of 30% value and 70% bluffs, then against a raise, you should call about 40% of your hands (including all value hands and some bluff catchers).

Practical Application

1. Blocker Priority: E.g., holding J♦T♦ on a 9-8-7-2-3 board. When the opponent raises, your JT blocks J9/T9 etc. top pair, making the call easier.
2. Avoid Calling Pure Air: If after your bet you only have ace-high with no blockers, fold.
3. Use Range Balance: Occasionally raise with strong hands instead of calling to avoid being read.

In summary, your calling range against a river raise must blend theoretical defense with opponent exploitation. Refine it through consistent practice and review.