What Does Range Mean in Poker?
In online poker, a “range” refers to the set of possible hands that a player might have based on their actions and the context of the game. Instead of putting a player on one specific hand, advanced players consider the range of hands they could sensibly have.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Range
You’ll often hear the term “range” during hand analysis or strategic discussions, such as when players are debating whether an opponent’s betting pattern suggests a strong or weak range.
In-Game Example
Consider you’re facing a raise preflop. Instead of guessing a single hand, you assess that your opponent could have a range including strong pairs, high cards, and suited connectors, depending on their typical play style.
Strategy / Tips
Best Practice: Always think in terms of ranges, not specific hands, to make better strategic decisions.
Common Mistake: Focusing too narrowly on putting opponents on a single hand, which can lead to incorrect reads and decisions.
Pro Tips: Develop the ability to adjust and refine ranges as more information becomes available during the hand. Online play often requires more precision in range analysis due to the lack of physical tells.
Alternative Names
Hand range, possible holdings
FAQs
Q: How do I determine an opponent’s range?
A: Consider their actions (bets, raises, calls) and any known tendencies, adjusting as the hand progresses.
Q: Why is understanding ranges important?
A: It allows for more accurate decision-making by considering the likelihood of various hands rather than guessing specific ones.
