5 · THINK IN RANGES · LESSON 20 OF 29 · 7 min
Give an opponent a range
A range is a set of plausible hands, not one guess. Start with what hands an opponent might play from their position, then remove or reduce hands that do not fit their later actions. A range is never certain, but it makes decisions more disciplined.
A tight early-position raise includes many strong pairs and big aces. A loose button open can include many more suited and connected hands.
WORK THROUGH A REAL SPOT
Build a range before looking at equity
Nina opens to 6 from an early seat. You hold J♠T♠ on the button. Do not guess one exact hand. Write down groups of hands that could reasonably take her action.
- Start with position. An early seat normally opens fewer hands than the button. Begin with strong pairs, strong aces, and some suited broadways. Treat that as a starting point, not a fact about Nina.
- Use the action. Her raise makes a random weak hand less likely than it was before she acted. It does not prove she has aces. If you have seen her open loosely, widen the starting groups.
- Use your cards. Your J♠ and T♠ remove some jack-ten and suited broadway combinations she could hold. They do not erase every possible jack or ten.
- Compare plans. Ask how J♠T♠ plays against the whole group and how position helps on later streets. A single equity percentage cannot tell you whether a call, raise, or fold will work against this particular player.
Try the prepared hand below. Before showing advice, name three plausible groups for Nina and one group you would discount.
Do not announce that an opponent 'has ace-king' because it is one possible hand. Keep alternatives alive.
MAKE THE CALL
What is a range?
Start with a prepared decision, then play the rest of the hand with practice chips. Turn on guidance to see the trainer's reasoning.