AFq from SB
AFq from SB
Aggression Frequency from the small blind (SB) measures how often a player in the small blind makes an aggressive action (bet or raise) when given the opportunity, rather than checking or calling.
Overview
AFq from SB (Aggression Frequency from the Small Blind) is a poker statistic used in tracking software such as Hold'em Manager and PokerTracker. It quantifies a player's tendency to be aggressive specifically when seated in the small blind position. This stat is derived from the general AFq calculation but filtered for hands where the player is in the small blind.
Calculation
AFq is calculated as the percentage of aggressive actions (bets and raises) out of all actions where the player had the chance to be aggressive (i.e., they faced a check or a bet). The formula is:
AFq = (Number of Bets + Number of Raises) / (Number of Bets + Number of Raises + Number of Calls + Number of Checks) * 100
For "from SB," the stat only considers hands where the player posted the small blind. Note that preflop actions in the small blind are included. For example, if the small blind faced a raise and re-raised (3-bet), that counts as an aggressive action. If they called, it does not. Postflop actions are also included.
Interpretation
A high AFq from SB (e.g., >50%) indicates a player often bets or raises rather than calling or checking when in the small blind. This can suggest a polarized or aggressive approach from that position. However, because the small blind has positional disadvantage postflop, many players tend to play tighter with lower aggression. Therefore, a high AFq from SB may indicate a player who is either over-aggressive from this disadvantageous spot or who has a strong hand range that warrants aggression.
Conversely, a low AFq from SB (e.g., <30%) suggests a passive approach—preferring to check or call. This can be a sign of a weak-tight player who only continues with strong hands or a player who tries to trap with monsters.
Limitations
Sample size matters. A small number of hands (e.g., <100) can make the stat unreliable. Also, AFq does not distinguish between bet sizing or aggression on different streets. It is best used in conjunction with other stats like VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot) and PFR (Preflop Raise) from SB to form a complete picture. Additionally, AFq from SB may be affected by game dynamics: in heads-up play, the small blind is effectively the button, so aggression is more common.
Related Strategy
Players with a high AFq from SB often put pressure on the big blind postflop, but risk overplaying marginal hands. Those with a low AFq may be easy to read: when they bet, they likely have a strong hand. Exploitatively, you can attack high-AFq players by trapping or check-raising, and bluff low-AFq players when they show weakness.
Example
A player with AFq from SB of 60% over 500 hands. This means that when in the small blind, they are aggressive 6 out of 10 opportunities. This is above average (typical AFq from SB is around 35-45% for a solid TAG). You might counter by widening your 3-bet range against them or by calling more on the button to see flops.