Range
4-Bet Range
Its core function is to balance value and bluffs, preventing opponents from applying pressure through frequent 3-bets while protecting the value of strong hands. In practice, a reasonable 4-bet range typically includes value hands e.g., AA, KK and bluff hands e.g., A5s, KQo to disrupt opponents' hand reading and increase the unpredictability of one's strategy. For example, in a blind vs. blind confrontation, if the button frequently 3-bets, you can value 4-bet with AA from the big blind while also bluff 4-betting with A5s, forcing the opponent to fold or be put in a tough spot.
Overview
4-Bet Range is one of the core concepts of an aggressive preflop strategy in Texas Hold'em. When a player opens (raise first) and another player 3-bets, the original raiser can choose to 4-bet, i.e., reraise again. The 4-bet range determines which hands a player uses to counter in specific situations.
Components
A 4-bet range typically includes two types of hands:
- Value hands: Strong hands like AA, KK, AKs, etc., aimed at extracting value when the opponent calls or 5-bets.
- Bluff hands: Medium-strength or potential hands like A5s, KQo, etc., using fold equity to force opponents to give up weaker parts of their 3-bet range.
Influencing Factors
The size and composition of a 4-bet range depend on several factors:
- Position: In position (e.g., on the button), the 4-bet range can be wider because it's easier to control postflop.
- Opponent Tendencies: Against frequent 3-bettors, widen the 4-bet range; against tight 3-bet ranges, narrow it and favor value hands.
- Stack Depth: With deep stacks, the 4-bet range can include more playable hands like suited connectors; with short stacks, lean more toward strong hands.
- Table Dynamics: On aggressive tables, the 4-bet range may be wider to counter frequent 3-bets.
Typical Example
Assume a 6-handed table with 100BB effective stacks. You open 3BB from the button with KQo, and the small blind 3-bets to 12BB. Your 4-bet range here might include:
- Value hands: AA, KK, QQ, AKs (about 2.5% of hands)
- Bluff hands: A5s, A4s, KQo (about 2.5% of hands) Total 4-bet frequency around 5%, balancing value and bluffs.
Strategy Points
- Balance: A good 4-bet range maintains a balance between value and bluffs to prevent opponents from easily reading your hand.
- Adjustment: Adjust the bluff proportion based on the opponent's 3-bet fold rate. If they fold frequently, increase bluffs; if they rarely fold, reduce bluffs.
- Polarization: The 4-bet range is typically polarized, containing strong and weak hands while excluding middle-strength hands (e.g., TT, AQ), which are better for calling.
Common Mistakes
- 4-bet range too narrow: Only using AA/KK makes it exploitable by opponents.
- 4-bet range too wide: Using too many weak hands leads to large losses when 5-bet.
- Ignoring position: Out of position, the 4-bet range should be tighter.