Odds, equity and theory
Range in poker
Definition
The full set of hands a player could have in a given situation, instead of one specific hand.
Strong players think about ranges, not single hands: what hands would the opponent bet this way on this board? You compare your hand with their range and estimate your equity against it.
Ranges are often shown as 13×13 grids that list which starting hands to play from each position.
Related terms
- EquityYour share of the pot based on how often your hand wins when all remaining cards are dealt.
- GTO (Game Theory Optimal)A balanced strategy that cannot be exploited by any opponent strategy, derived from game theory.
- Open-raiseThe first raise before the flop, made when nobody else has raised yet.
- Exploitative playDeviating from the balanced strategy to take advantage of a specific opponent's mistakes.