Definition
Range construction is the process of selecting which hands to play in each preflop scenario (RFI, facing a raise, 3-bet pots, etc.). Well-constructed ranges are balanced and position-appropriate.
Building Blocks of Ranges
Hand Categories
| Category | Examples | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Premium pairs | AA, KK, QQ | Always playable |
| Medium pairs | TT, 99, 88 | Set-mining, position-dependent |
| Small pairs | 77-22 | Need implied odds |
| Broadway | AK, AQ, KQ | High card strength |
| Suited connectors | 87s, 76s | Playability, nut potential |
| Suited aces | A5s, A4s | Nut flush draws |
| Offsuit broadways | AJo, KJo | Kicker concerns |
Range Construction Principles
1. Start with Premiums
Every range starts with:
- AA, KK, QQ, JJ
- AK (suited and offsuit)
2. Add Based on Position
| Position | Add These |
|---|---|
| Early | Strong broadways, some suited |
| Middle | More pairs, suited connectors |
| Late | Much wider, suited gappers |
3. Prefer Suited Over Offsuit
| Hand | Equity vs Random | Playability |
|---|---|---|
| AJs | 65% | High |
| AJo | 64% | Medium |
| 76s | 45% | High |
| 76o | 43% | Low |
Suitedness adds ~3% equity and much more playability.
Linear vs Polarized Ranges
Linear Range
Playing your best hands in order:
AA → KK → QQ → JJ → AKs → AKo → AQs...
Use when: RFI, calling 3-bets, value-focused.
Polarized Range
Playing the best AND some speculative hands:
AA, KK, QQ + A5s, 76s (skip middle hands)
Use when: 3-betting, bluffing, need balance.
Example: Building a BTN Open Range
Target: ~45% of hands
| Add | Hands | Running % |
|---|---|---|
| All pairs | 22+ | 6% |
| Suited aces | A2s+ | 9% |
| Offsuit aces | A2o+ | 15% |
| Suited broadways | KQs-KTs, QJs-QTs | 20% |
| Offsuit broadways | KQo-KTo, QJo | 30% |
| Suited connectors | 54s+ | 35% |
| Suited kings | K2s+ | 40% |
| Remaining | Gappers, Q-high | 45% |
Common Range Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem |
|---|---|
| Too linear | Predictable, easy to counter |
| Too random | Leaky, dominated often |
| No suited connectors | Missing nut potential |
| Too many offsuit hands | Hard to realize equity |
Using Range Charts
💡 Study charts but understand why:
- Charts are starting points
- Adjust for opponents
- Adjust for stack depth
- Adjust for position
Key Takeaway
Good ranges combine strong hands with playable speculative hands. Build around premiums, add suited hands for balance, and adjust width based on position. Linear for value, polarized for aggression.