Poker Range Construction

What is Range-Based Thinking?

Range-based thinking is the foundational skill that separates recreational poker players from serious competitors. Rather than asking "What hand does my opponent have?"—which is impossible to know with certainty—experienced players ask "What range of hands could my opponent hold here?" This shift in perspective transforms poker from guesswork into systematic analysis, allowing for mathematically sound decisions even with incomplete information.

A poker range is simply the collection of all possible hands a player might hold in a specific situation. When an opponent raises from under-the-gun, they don't have one hand—they have a range of hands that includes their value hands, their occasional bluffs, and everything in between. According to game theory research published by the Carnegie Mellon University AI research team, thinking in ranges rather than specific hands is essential for optimal play.

Understanding range construction enables you to make better decisions at every stage of a hand. It helps you determine which hands to open-raise, which hands to 3-bet with, how to react when facing aggression, and how to extract maximum value or minimize losses post-flop. This guide covers the complete framework for building and analyzing ranges in modern poker.

Why Ranges Matter More Than Individual Hands

Beginners often try to "soul-read" opponents by putting them on exact hands: "He must have Ace-King." While this intuition occasionally works, it leads to systematic errors. If you assume your opponent has AK and they actually hold QQ, your entire decision-making process is flawed. Range-based thinking acknowledges uncertainty and accounts for all possibilities weighted by their likelihood.

Mathematical Foundation

Consider a simple example: an opponent raises from early position. You might think "they have a strong hand," but this isn't specific enough to make optimal decisions. Instead, assign them a range: perhaps pocket pairs 66+, suited broadway hands, AQ+, and KQs. Now you know they hold roughly 164 combinations of hands (called "combos")—12 combos of each pair (66-AA), plus various broadway combinations. This allows for precise equity calculations rather than guesses.

When you hold a hand like JJ against this range, you can calculate your exact equity. Against individual hands, JJ crushes AQ (70% favorite) but gets crushed by QQ+ (18% underdog). Against the entire range? You're roughly 53% to win. This number—not your guess about any single hand—should drive your decision.

Range Advantage and Board Texture

Ranges interact with community cards in predictable ways. When a flop comes A-K-7 rainbow, the preflop raiser's range "connects" with this board much more often than the caller's range. The raiser has all the big aces, while the caller likely has medium pairs and suited connectors. This is called "range advantage," and understanding it explains why the preflop aggressor should often continuation bet on such boards. Learn more about how boards affect strategy in our Reading the Board guide.

Constructing Preflop Opening Ranges

Preflop opening ranges form the foundation of your entire strategy. These ranges determine which hands you raise with when the action folds to you. A well-constructed opening range balances hand strength with positional awareness, table dynamics, and strategic objectives. The PokerStrategy educational resources emphasize that solid preflop play creates easier post-flop decisions.

Position-Based Opening Ranges

Position is the single most important factor in determining your opening range. The closer to the button you are, the wider you can open. This isn't arbitrary—later positions have fewer players left to act, meaning fewer chances someone holds a premium hand. Additionally, you'll likely have positional advantage post-flop, making your hands more playable. Understanding poker position is essential before constructing ranges.

Under-the-Gun (UTG) Range: 10-15%

From UTG in a 6-max game, you're first to act with five players behind. Open tight: 77+, AJs+, KQs, AQo+. This represents roughly 10-12% of hands. In 9-max games, tighten further to 8-10% (88+, AQs+, AKo). Premium hands only—you'll be out of position against anyone who calls or raises.

Middle Position (MP) Range: 15-20%

With fewer players behind, widen slightly: 55+, A9s+, KJs+, QJs, AJo+, KQo. Include some suited connectors like 98s and 87s for balance. This range is roughly 15-18% of hands.

Cutoff (CO) Range: 25-30%

The cutoff is where ranges begin expanding significantly: 22+, A2s+, K7s+, Q8s+, J8s+, T8s+, 97s+, 86s+, 75s+, 64s+, 53s+, ATo+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo. You're likely to have position post-flop and can play many speculative hands profitably.

Button (BTN) Range: 40-50%

The button is poker's most profitable position. Open very wide: all pairs, most suited hands down to 42s, suited connectors and gappers, most broadway combos. A typical button opening range might be 45-50% of hands. You'll always have position post-flop, and the blinds will have to defend with wide, difficult-to-play ranges.

Small Blind (SB) Range: 35-45%

The small blind is tricky—you've already invested half a blind, but you'll be out of position post-flop. Modern theory suggests either raising or folding, rarely calling. Raise a linear range of roughly 35-40% against passive big blinds, tighter against aggressive defenders.

Adjusting for Table Dynamics

Standard ranges assume competent opponents. Against weak players who call too often, tighten your range and rely on value betting. Against aggressive 3-bettors in the blinds, tighten your opening range to hands that can withstand pressure. Against passive blinds who fold too much, widen your steals from late position.

Building 3-Bet Ranges

A 3-bet is a re-raise over an initial raise. Constructing effective 3-bet ranges is crucial for both building big pots with premium hands and applying pressure with bluffs. Your 3-bet range should be balanced—containing both value hands that want action and bluffs that benefit from fold equity.

Polarized vs. Linear 3-Bet Ranges

The type of 3-bet range you construct depends on the situation:

Polarized ranges contain only very strong hands (value) and weak hands (bluffs), with no medium-strength hands. Use polarized ranges when facing wide opens from late position. For example, versus a Button open: 3-bet AA-TT, AK, AQs for value, and A5s-A2s, K5s-K2s, 76s-54s as bluffs. The bluffs have blockers to premium hands and can make strong hands when called.

Linear (merged) ranges contain hands in order of strength without gaps. Use linear ranges against tight early position opens or in multiway pots where bluffs rarely succeed. Against UTG: 3-bet only QQ+, AK—hands that dominate their range and can withstand 4-bets.

Value-to-Bluff Ratios

Game theory suggests your 3-bet range should contain roughly 2 bluffs for every 1 value hand when using standard 3-bet sizings (around 3x the open). This ratio keeps opponents indifferent between calling and folding with their middle-strength hands. Against opponents who call 3-bets too often, reduce bluffs; against tight folders, increase bluffs.

In-Position vs. Out-of-Position 3-Betting

When 3-betting from the button or cutoff (in position), you can include more speculative bluffs because you'll have positional advantage post-flop. From the blinds (out of position), focus on hands that play well in 3-bet pots: suited broadway, high pairs, suited aces. Marginal hands like 87s make better calls than 3-bets when out of position.

Constructing Calling and Defending Ranges

Not every hand in your preflop range should be 3-bet. Some hands play better as calls, especially in position. Understanding which hands to call with versus 3-bet creates a balanced strategy that's difficult to exploit.

Big Blind Defense

The big blind must defend widely because you already have a blind invested. Against a 2.5x button open, you need to defend roughly 40% of hands to prevent profitable steal attempts. This defense includes both calls and 3-bets. Call with suited connectors, small pairs, weak broadway; 3-bet with premiums and selected bluffs.

The Upswing Poker learning resources demonstrate that inadequate big blind defense is one of the biggest leaks at low and mid-stakes. Each fold from the big blind loses your blind investment, so defending appropriately is essential for winning play.

Flatting in Position

When an opponent opens and you're on the button, some hands make better calls than 3-bets. Small to medium pairs (22-99) play well as calls—they're unlikely to improve much post-flop but can set mine profitably. Suited connectors in position can also flat profitably, extracting value when they hit versus paying for 3-bet pot bloat when they miss.

When flatting, consider how your range interacts with various board textures. Your calling range should be "protected" by some strong hands to prevent opponents from auto-betting every flop. Mix in some slow-played premiums occasionally to keep opponents honest.

Analyzing Opponent Ranges

Constructing your own ranges is only half the equation. To make optimal decisions, you must also assign and narrow opponent ranges throughout a hand. This process, sometimes called "hand reading," is the practical application of range-based thinking.

Starting the Analysis: Preflop Action

Range assignment begins with the first action. A UTG open suggests a strong range (12-15% of hands). A button open suggests a wide range (40-50%). A 3-bet from the blinds against a button open could be polarized (premiums plus bluffs) or linear (only premiums) depending on the player.

Each player's tendencies modify default assumptions. A tight UTG player might open only 8% of hands. An aggressive button might open 60%. Use your observations—or tracking software data—to refine starting ranges. Our Poker Tells guide discusses reading opponents in live games.

Narrowing Through Actions

Each action provides information to narrow opponent ranges:

• Bets: Remove hands too weak to bet for value or bluff. On a K-7-2 rainbow board, a UTG opener who bets likely has Kx hands, overpairs, or selected bluffs—not 98s or small pairs.
• Checks: Remove many strong hands (unless the player is trapping). A flop check often indicates medium-strength hands trying to get to showdown cheaply.
• Calls: Remove very strong hands (would raise) and very weak hands (would fold). Calling ranges are typically condensed around medium-strength.
• Raises: Indicates strong hands or bluffs—a polarized range. Remove medium-strength hands that would just call.

Bet Sizing Information

Bet sizing often correlates with range composition. Small bets (25-40% pot) typically indicate wide, merged ranges—betting for thin value or with many bluffs. Large bets (75-100%+ pot) typically indicate polarized ranges—very strong hands or pure bluffs. This relationship helps narrow ranges based on how opponents size their bets. For deeper exploration, see our Bet Sizing Strategy guide.

Board Texture Impact

Boards change how ranges connect. On A-K-Q, tight openers have many strong hands (AK, AQ, KQ, sets). On 7-5-3, those same players have mostly overcards that missed. Consider how each board interacts with an opponent's likely holdings when refining your range estimates.

Applying Range Analysis to Decisions

Understanding ranges translates directly into better decisions. Here's how range analysis shapes strategy at each street:

Flop Decisions

On the flop, determine which player has range advantage—whose range connects better with the board? The player with range advantage should typically bet more frequently. If you're the preflop raiser on A-K-7, your range hits this board harder than a cold-caller's range, justifying aggressive play even with air.

Also consider "nut advantage"—who can have the strongest possible hands? On monotone boards (three suited cards), the caller often has more suited hands and thus nut advantage, even if the raiser has overall range advantage. This dynamic affects bluffing frequency and value betting strategy.

Turn and River Decisions

By later streets, ranges are narrowed significantly. On the turn, consider how the card affects both ranges. An Ace on the turn often benefits the bettor's range (who likely has strong hands) more than the caller's range. A low card might help neither range much, keeping relative positions stable.

River decisions hinge on final range estimates. Ask: "What hands would my opponent play this way?" Then calculate how your hand performs against that range. If your hand beats most of their calling range, bet for value. If your hand loses to most of their betting range, consider folding even with decent absolute hand strength.

Exploitative Adjustments

Range analysis enables exploitation. If an opponent's 3-bet range is too bluff-heavy, call or 4-bet lighter. If their continuation bet range is too strong, fold more often on the flop. If they check too many medium-strength hands, bluff more aggressively. Every tendency creates an exploitable pattern when viewed through range analysis.

Range Notation and Visualization

Poker players and coaches use specific notation to communicate ranges efficiently. Understanding this notation helps when studying training material or discussing hands.

Standard Range Notation

Plus notation (+): 77+ means all pairs sevens and higher (77, 88, 99, TT, JJ, QQ, KK, AA). ATs+ means ATs, AJs, AQs, AKs.

Dash notation (-): 99-66 means pairs six through nine. K9s-K6s means suited kings nine through six.

Suited (s) and offsuit (o): AKs is specifically suited Ace-King; AKo is specifically offsuit. AK without notation means both suited and offsuit.

Combo notation: A range can be expressed in combos. AKs = 4 combos. AKo = 12 combos. 77 = 6 combos. Understanding combos helps with precise calculations.

Visual Range Grids

The 13x13 range grid displays all 169 starting hands. Pairs run diagonally (AA top-left to 22 bottom-right). Suited hands appear above the diagonal; offsuit hands below. Colored cells indicate included hands. Tools like our Hand Range Visualizer let you construct and visualize ranges interactively.

Range percentages express how many hands are included. 10% is roughly the top 132 combos; 20% is roughly 265 combos; 50% is roughly 663 combos. These percentages help quickly assess range width.

Common Range Construction Mistakes

Even players who understand range theory make systematic errors. Awareness of these mistakes helps avoid them:

Being Results-Oriented

After losing to an unexpected hand, players often adjust ranges too drastically. If your opponent shows 72o from UTG once, don't assume their range includes 72o—they probably made a mistake or were bored. Stick to logical range estimates based on patterns, not outliers.

Ignoring Position

Position changes everything. A flop continuation bet from the cutoff against a big blind caller is very different from a UTG bet into three callers. Adjust range assumptions based on position at every decision point.

Static Range Thinking

Ranges evolve through hands. An opponent's range on the river is not their preflop range—it's been narrowed by every action. Update your range estimates continuously rather than using preflop ranges for river decisions.

Forgetting About Your Own Range

While analyzing opponents, remember you also have a range from their perspective. If you never bluff in certain spots, opponents can fold without worry. If you never check strong hands, opponents can bluff when you check. Balance your own ranges to remain unexploitable.

Over-Complicating Early

Advanced range analysis matters most at higher stakes. At lower stakes, focus on constructing solid preflop ranges and making straightforward value bets and bluffs. Don't try to level yourself into complex range manipulation against opponents who aren't thinking that deeply.

Tools for Range Practice

Developing range intuition requires practice. Several tools can accelerate your learning:

Equity Calculators

Equity calculators show how your hand performs against various ranges. Practice inputting opponent ranges and seeing your equity. Over time, you'll develop intuition for which hands play well against which ranges. Try our Hand Equity Calculator for interactive practice.

Range Visualizers

Range visualization tools let you build and see ranges graphically. Practice constructing your opening ranges, 3-bet ranges, and calling ranges. Compare them to recommended ranges from training resources. The PioSOLVER documentation provides examples of GTO-derived ranges for study.

Hand History Review

Review your played hands with range analysis in mind. At each decision point, assign your opponent a range. How did your decisions perform against that range? Where could you have narrowed more effectively? This post-session analysis builds practical range reading skills.

Training Quizzes

Our Preflop Trainer helps you memorize standard opening and 3-betting ranges. Repetition builds the automatic recall needed for quick, confident decisions at the table. Practice until range decisions become second nature.

Advanced Range Concepts

Once you've mastered basic range construction, these advanced concepts refine your strategy further:

Capped vs. Uncapped Ranges

A "capped" range cannot contain the strongest possible hands. If you just call preflop (instead of 3-betting), your range is capped—you don't have AA or KK, which you would have 3-bet. An "uncapped" range can contain any hand. Capped ranges are more vulnerable to aggression because opponents know you can't have the nuts.

Range Morphology

Range "shape" affects post-flop strategy. A range heavy with high cards plays well on high boards but poorly on low boards. A range with many suited connectors plays well on connected, low boards. Consider how your range morphology interacts with potential board textures when deciding preflop actions.

GTO Ranges and Deviation

Game Theory Optimal (GTO) ranges are theoretically unexploitable—balanced between value and bluffs. These ranges serve as a baseline. Against weak opponents, deviate from GTO to exploit their mistakes. Against strong opponents, stay closer to GTO to avoid being counter-exploited. Learn more about mathematical foundations in our Poker Probability guide.

Putting It All Together

Range-based thinking transforms poker from a guessing game into systematic strategy. By constructing your own ranges thoughtfully and assigning opponent ranges accurately, you gain a mathematical edge that compounds over thousands of hands. This approach, advocated by professional players and validated by AI poker research from organizations like Meta AI Research, represents modern winning poker.

Start with solid preflop ranges based on position. Build balanced 3-bet ranges with appropriate value-to-bluff ratios. Defend your blinds adequately. Then, as hands progress, continuously narrow opponent ranges using their actions, bet sizes, and board interactions. Let these refined ranges—not gut feelings about specific hands—drive your decisions.

Range construction is a skill that improves with practice. Study recommended ranges, use visualization tools, review your hands with range analysis, and gradually your intuition will sharpen. Over time, you'll think in ranges automatically, giving you a significant edge over opponents still guessing at specific holdings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Strategy Guides

• Poker Equity Explained - Understand hand equity calculations against ranges
• Hand Range Visualizer Tool - Build and visualize ranges interactively
• Range Equity Analyzer - Calculate equity against specific ranges
• Poker Position Guide - Understand positional play fundamentals
• Preflop Trainer - Practice preflop range decisions
• Bet Sizing Strategy - Learn how sizing affects ranges
• Continuation Betting Guide - Apply ranges to c-bet strategy