Definition
Range construction is the process of deciding which hands belong in your range for each action. Good ranges are balanced, position-appropriate, and hard to exploit.
Core Principles
1. Balance Value and Bluffs
Every aggressive range should contain both:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Value hands | Win when called |
| Bluffs | Win when folded to |
2. Include Different Hand Types
| Hand Type | Role |
|---|---|
| Nutted hands | Top of value range |
| Strong hands | Primary value |
| Draws | Semi-bluffs |
| Blockers | Pure bluffs |
3. Maintain Consistency
The same hand should take similar actions:
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| AA always raises | AA sometimes limps |
| Suited connectors have plan | Random play |
Linear vs Polarized Construction
Linear Ranges
Hands selected top-down by strength:
AA > KK > QQ > AKs > AKo > JJ > ...
Best for: Opening, calling 3-bets
Polarized Ranges
Strong hands + selected bluffs:
AA, KK, QQ + A5s, A4s, 76s
Best for: 3-betting, river betting
Range Construction by Action
Opening Range
| Principle | Application |
|---|---|
| Linear | Best hands for position |
| Suited preferred | Playability |
| Position-aware | Widen as position improves |
3-Bet Range
| Principle | Application |
|---|---|
| Polarized IP | Premiums + suited bluffs |
| Linear OOP | Strongest hands |
| Include blockers | A5s blocks AA, AK |
Calling Range
| Principle | Application |
|---|---|
| Pot odds aware | Need right equity |
| Implied odds | Speculative hands |
| Avoid dominated | KJo facing UTG = trouble |
Constructing Defense Ranges
BB Defense Example
vs BTN 2.5x open:
| Action | Hands | % |
|---|---|---|
| 3-bet | AA-TT, AK, A5s-A2s, 76s | ~12% |
| Call | 99-22, AQ-AT, suited connectors | ~45% |
| Fold | Worst hands | ~43% |
Common Construction Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem |
|---|---|
| All value, no bluffs | Opponents always fold |
| All bluffs, no value | Get called down |
| Random hand selection | Unbalanced, exploitable |
| Ignoring blockers | Miss good bluff candidates |
Key Takeaway
Construct ranges with purpose. Balance value and bluffs, prefer suited hands, go linear for opening and calling, polarized for aggression. Every hand in your range should have a reason to be there.