Poker

Range (Poker)

Definition

The complete set of hands a player could hold in a given situation. Rather than putting opponents on one specific hand, skilled players think about ranges, meaning the spectrum of possible holdings based on their actions.

In poker, a range is the complete set of hands a player could hold in a given situation. Rather than trying to guess your opponent's exact two cards, skilled players think about the entire spectrum of possible holdings based on their actions throughout the hand.

Constructing opponent ranges starts pre-flop. An under-the-gun raise at a full table typically represents a strong range (top 10-15% of hands), while a button raise might include the top 40-50% of hands. Each subsequent action (calling, raising, checking) narrows or widens the estimated range.

Range-based thinking is what separates intermediate players from advanced ones. Instead of asking 'does my opponent have a flush?', you ask 'what percentage of my opponent's range contains a flush?' This probabilistic approach leads to better decision-making because it accounts for all possibilities rather than one specific hand.

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Related Terms

Equity

Your share of the pot based on the probability of winning the hand. If you have a 40% chance of winning a $200 pot, your equity is $80. Equity changes with each new card dealt.

Position (Poker)

Your seat relative to the dealer button. Late position (button, cutoff) is advantageous because you act after opponents, gaining information. Early position requires stronger hands because more players act after you.