Definition
Equity distribution describes how equity is spread across all hands in a range. Some ranges have equity concentrated at the top (polarized), while others have it spread evenly (condensed).
Equity Distribution = How equity is spread across your hands
Types of Distributions
Polarized Distribution
[High Equity] --- gap --- [Low Equity]
Nuts Bluffs
Hands either have very high or very low equity.
Condensed Distribution
[Medium Equity] [Medium Equity] [Medium Equity]
Most hands have similar, medium equity.
Linear Distribution
[High] [Medium-High] [Medium] [Medium-Low] [Low]
Smooth distribution from best to worst.
Why Distribution Matters
| Distribution | Strategic Implication |
|---|---|
| Polarized | Bet big (nuts or air) |
| Condensed | Check more, call more |
| Linear | Bet small with many hands |
Board Impact on Distribution
Dynamic Boards
Wet, connected boards:
| Effect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Wide equity spread | Some hands flopped monsters, others have draws |
| Polarized distribution | Big equity differences |
Static Boards
Dry boards (K-7-2 rainbow):
| Effect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Narrow equity spread | Most hands similar equity |
| Condensed distribution | One pair hands dominate |
Example: BTN vs BB on Different Boards
Board 1: A♠ K♥ 7♣ (Static)
| Hand Category | Equity |
|---|---|
| Sets | ~90% |
| Top pair | ~70-80% |
| Middle pair | ~50-60% |
| Air | ~20-30% |
Distribution: Relatively linear, hands spread evenly.
Board 2: J♥ T♥ 9♣ (Dynamic)
| Hand Category | Equity |
|---|---|
| Straights | ~85-95% |
| Sets | ~60-70% (vulnerable!) |
| Pair + draw | ~50-60% |
| Air | ~10-20% |
Distribution: More polarized, big gaps between categories.
Using Equity Distribution
When Your Range is Polarized
| Action | Reason |
|---|---|
| Bet larger | Maximize value and fold equity |
| Clear value/bluff decisions | Hands are distinct |
When Your Range is Condensed
| Action | Reason |
|---|---|
| Check more | Can't bet thin |
| Call more | Have showdown value |
| Pot control | Don't want big pots |
Equity Buckets
Solvers organize hands into equity buckets:
| Bucket | Equity Range | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Top | >75% | Bet for value |
| Upper-mid | 55-75% | Thin value or check |
| Lower-mid | 40-55% | Check, call |
| Bottom | <40% | Bluff or fold |
Key Takeaway
Equity distribution shapes strategy. Polarized distributions call for big bets. Condensed distributions call for checking and pot control. Understand how the board creates different distributions for each range.