What is a Range in Poker?

A range in poker is the complete set of hands a player could have in a given situation. When you see an opponent raise, you don't know their exact two cards, but you can estimate the collection of hands they would play that way. That collection is their range. The core skill is not putting someone on one hand, but on a distribution of hands, and then weighing your equity against that distribution.

Ranges are usually described by combinations (combos) and by how they are constructed. For example, a typical under-the-gun opening range in no-limit hold'em might include strong pairs, big suited aces, and some high suited connectors, but it will not include weak offsuit hands. In contrast, a big blind defending range is much wider because the player is getting a discount and is closing the action.

What a range is and is not

A range is not a single hand. If you think "he has ace-king" every time you face a raise, you will make costly mistakes. Instead, you should think "he has a range that includes ace-king, but also other hands like queens or ace-queen suited." The range is a probability distribution, not a specific holding.

A range is also not a static list. It changes based on position, stack sizes, previous actions, and the tendencies of the player. A tight player's range is narrower than a loose player's. A player who limps has a different range than one who raises. A player who calls a 3-bet has a different range than one who 4-bets.

Ranges can be described as merged or polar. A merged range contains hands of similar strength, often medium-strength hands that are trying to get value or bluff-catch. A polar range contains very strong hands and very weak hands, but few medium hands. For example, a river bet after a check-raise might be polar: the player either has a strong made hand or a bluff, but rarely a medium hand.

Blockers are also part of range thinking. If you hold the ace of spades, you reduce the chance your opponent has the nut flush draw with ace-high. Blockers help you narrow ranges and make better decisions.

How to use ranges in a hand

To use ranges, you start by assigning a range to your opponent based on their actions. Then you update that range as new information comes in. For example, if a tight player raises from early position, you might assign them a range of about a typical fraction of hands. If the flop comes ace-high and they bet, you narrow their range to hands that would bet that flop, which might include top pair or better, plus some bluffs.

You can then compare your hand against that range to decide whether to call, raise, or fold. This is often done by estimating your equity against the range. For instance, if you have a pair of tens on a board with an ace, and you think your opponent's range contains many aces, your equity might be low, so you should fold. If you have a strong draw, you might have enough equity to continue.

A simple way to practice is to use a range chart or a poker equity calculator. These tools show you what a typical range looks like for a given position and action. You can then compare your hand to that range.

A table of typical opening ranges by position (qualitative)

This table is a typical example, not a solver output. Actual ranges depend on stack sizes and opponent tendencies.

How this range idea shows up

Range thinking shows up in every decision. Preflop, you decide whether to open, call, or raise based on your range and your opponent's range. Postflop, you decide whether to bet, call, or fold based on how your hand interacts with the board and your opponent's range.

A classic example is the 3-bet. When you 3-bet, you are not just raising with a strong hand; you are representing a range of hands that includes strong hands and bluffs. Your opponent must then decide if their range can continue against your 3-betting range.

Another example is the check-raise. When you check-raise, you are often polarizing your range: you have either a strong hand or a bluff. Your opponent must decide if their range can beat your value hands or if they can call your bluffs.

Range thinking also applies to your own play. You should try to balance your ranges so that you are not too predictable. For example, if you only bet when you have a strong hand, observant opponents will fold when you bet. By including some bluffs in your betting range, you make your bets harder to play against.

Leaks on this range idea

• Putting opponents on one hand: This is the most common leak. You think "he has ace-king" and make a decision based on that, ignoring the rest of his range. This leads to folding too much when you are actually ahead of his range, or calling too much when you are behind.
• Ignoring blockers: You fail to consider that your cards reduce the likelihood of certain hands in your opponent's range. For example, if you hold two aces, it is much less likely your opponent has aces, so you can be more aggressive.
• Not updating ranges on later streets: You assign a range preflop and never adjust it. As the board develops and your opponent bets or checks, you must narrow their range. Failing to do so leads to poor river decisions.
• Using static ranges: You assume every player has the same range in the same situation. In reality, ranges are player-dependent. A tight player's range is different from a loose player's, and you must adjust.
• Not considering your own range: You only think about your opponent's range, but your own range matters too. Your actions should be consistent with the range you are representing. If you play a hand in a way that contradicts your range, observant opponents will exploit you.

When not to use ranges

Range thinking is always useful, but it is less critical in certain situations. For example, when you are heads-up and the pot is small, you might rely more on your specific hand strength. Also, against very weak or unpredictable players, assigning a precise range is difficult. In those cases, you might rely on general tendencies rather than a detailed range.

Another situation is when you are short-stacked and the decision is mostly about pot odds and your hand's absolute strength. For example, if you have less than 10 big blinds, you are often in a push-fold situation, and your decision is based more on your hand's equity against a calling range, which is still a range, but the concept is simpler.

The next decision after this range idea

After you have assigned a range to your opponent, your next decision is to compare your hand to that range and choose an action. If you are ahead of a large portion of their range, you should bet or raise for value. If you are behind, you should fold or bluff if the situation is right. If you are uncertain, you might call to see the next street, but you must have a plan for future streets.

For example, suppose you have a pair of nines on a board of 7-5-2. You bet and your opponent raises. You estimate their raising range includes sets, overpairs, and some bluffs. Your pair of nines is behind most of that range, so you should fold. If you think they are bluffing often, you might call, but you must be prepared to fold on later streets if they continue.

Another example: you have a flush draw on the turn. Your opponent bets. You estimate your equity against their range is about 30%. The pot is offering you 3-to-1 odds, so you need 25% equity to call. Since you have 30%, you call. This is a direct application of range-based equity.

Frequently asked questions

What is a range in poker?

A range is the set of all possible hands a player could have in a given situation, based on their actions and tendencies. Instead of putting an opponent on one hand, you consider the entire distribution.

How do I read a poker range chart?

A range chart shows which hands a player is likely to play from a given position or in a given situation. Each cell represents a hand, and the color indicates whether it is played, raised, or folded. You use these charts to estimate your opponent's range and to build your own.

What is a polarized range?

A polarized range contains very strong hands and very weak hands, but few medium-strength hands. It is often used on later streets when a player bets or raises, representing either a strong made hand or a bluff.

How do blockers affect ranges?

Blockers are cards you hold that reduce the likelihood of certain hands in your opponent's range. For example, if you hold an ace, it is less likely your opponent has aces. This information helps you narrow their range and make better decisions.

What is the difference between a range and a hand?

A hand is the specific two cards you hold. A range is the collection of hands a player could have. In poker, you rarely know your opponent's exact hand, so you must think in terms of ranges to make profitable decisions.