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Ranges

Every hand they could have, weighted by combinations.

7 steps, as text; answers are folded so you can test yourself. · step through the interactive version →

  1. 01, open this step in the interactive version
    Your cardsK♥ J♥

    You never know their exact cards. So instead of guessing one hand, think about every hand they could have.

  2. 02, open this step in the interactive version

    This grid holds every starting hand. Pairs run down the diagonal, hands sit above it, below.

  3. 03, open this step in the interactive version
    RangeAA, KK, QQ, JJ, TT, 99, AKs, AQs, AJs, KQs, AKo, AQo

    Someone who raises from the first seat usually has strong hands. Their might look like this.

  4. 04, open this step in the interactive version
    RangeAA, AKs, AKo

    Pocket aces can be dealt 6 ways. Ace–king, 16 ways. In a range of only those, which are you more likely to face?

    Aces · Ace–king

    show answer

    answerAce–king

    why16 combinations against 6. Count the ways a hand can be dealt, not just its name.

  5. 05, open this step in the interactive version
    Your cardsK♥ J♥BoardK♠ 8♦ 3♣

    The changes things. You hold K♥ J♥ and it comes K♠ 8♦ 3♣.

  6. 06, open this step in the interactive version
    RangeAA, KK, QQ, JJ, AKs, AKo

    Their range is AA, KK, QQ, JJ and AK. On this flop, are you mostly ahead or behind?

    Ahead · Behind

    show answer

    answerBehind

    whyYou beat QQ and JJ: 9 combinations. You lose to AA, KK and AK: 15. The red squares beat you.

  7. 07, open this step in the interactive version
    RangeAA, KK, QQ, JJ, TT, 99, AKs, AQs, AJs, KQs, AKo, AQo

    Thinking in ranges is the step from guessing to reasoning. Next: the names for every kind of bet.