Poker Hand Ranges: CO vs HJ

Study Notes

Hand Types and Actions in Poker

Four action categories for poker hands: 3-bet for Value, 3-bet as a Bluff, Call, and Fold.
The chart evaluates a total of 222 hands.

3-bet for Value

This action represents strong hands deemed worthy of increasing the pot.
Frequency of use is 58 out of 222 hands, accounting for 26.1% of actions.

3-bet as a Bluff

Indicates a strategy to challenge opponents with weaker hands to induce folds.
Used 80 times out of 222 hands, constituting 36.0% of actions.

Call

Represents a passive strategy to keep opponents engaged without raising the stakes.
Occurs 84 times, or 37.8% of the time.

Fold

The predominant action reflecting a decision not to engage further with the hand.
Frequency is high at 1,104 folds out of a total of 1,326 hands, representing 83.3%.

Overall Strategy Insights

A majority of hands involve folding, emphasizing selectivity in hand play.
Bluffing appears to be a significant strategy, surpassing value 3-betting in frequency, highlighting aggressive tactics to pressure opponents.

Basic Poker Strategies

Starting Hands Selection
- Prioritize strong hands (like AA, KK, QQ) in early positions to maximize play potential.
- In late positions, open up the range to include suited connectors for more flexibility.
- Avoid playing weak hands from early positions to mitigate risk.
Position Play
- Recognize the critical role of table position; late positions allow for more aggressive play.
- Utilize early positions to establish an aggressive table demeanor, but exercise caution with marginal hands.
Aggression
- Emphasize aggressive actions (betting/raising) to gain control of the game rather than passive strategies (calling).
- Employ aggression to increase pot size and pressure opponents into folding weaker hands.
- Maintain a balance of aggression and hand strength to keep opponents uncertain about your play.
Bluffing Strategies
- Identify optimal moments for bluffing, particularly when board texture is favorable for deception.
- Tailor bluffing tactics to opponent behavior; bluffs are more effective against cautious or passive players.
- Incorporate semi-bluffs with drawing hands to create multiple avenues for winning the pot.
Reading Opponents
- Monitor opponents' betting patterns to gauge their potential hand strength.
- Pay attention to physical tells or behavioral shifts indicating strong hands or emotional states.
- Adjust personal strategy based on the observed styles of play (tight, loose, aggressive, passive).
Pot Odds and Expected Value
- Master calculating pot odds to better inform calling decisions and improve profitability.
- Weigh pot odds against the odds of completing drawing hands to determine the viability of a call.
- Grasp expected value to evaluate the profitability of plays over time.
Bankroll Management
- Establish loss limits to protect your bankroll and ensure sustainable play.
- Play at stakes that match your bankroll capacity to avoid financial strain.
- Regularly review bankroll management practices to support long-term poker success.
Adjusting to Opponents
- Customize strategies based on the table's dynamic atmosphere and player tendencies.
- Maintain flexibility; adapt aggression levels and approaches in response to opponent's styles.
- Identify opponent weaknesses and exploit them strategically for profit maximization.
Endgame Strategies
- Recognize the significance of the Independent Chip Model (ICM) in tournament scenarios.
- Play conservatively during bubble periods and shift to more aggressive tactics once the bubble bursts.
- Shift focus on building chip stack in later stages while minimizing potential risks.
Continuous Learning
- Analyze hand histories regularly to uncover mistakes and enhance strategic understanding.
- Engage with poker theory through various resources like books, videos, and online discussions.
- Practice consistently to sharpen skills and stay updated with evolving poker trends.