Definition
Structured hand analysis is a systematic approach to breaking down a hand, ensuring you examine all relevant factors before reaching conclusions.
Structure prevents missing important details
The Analysis Framework
1. Setup Information
| Element | Note |
|---|---|
| Stakes | What level |
| Positions | Hero and villain |
| Stack sizes | Effective stacks |
| Villain reads | Any tendencies |
| Table dynamics | Relevant history |
2. Preflop Review
| Question | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Was my open/call/3-bet standard? | Range check |
| What is villain's range? | Set up postflop analysis |
| Any adjustments needed? | Position, player type |
3. Flop Analysis
| Element | Consider |
|---|---|
| Board texture | Wet/dry, high/low |
| Range advantage | Who benefits more |
| My hand strength | Relative to range |
| My action | Bet/check/raise |
| Villain's likely range | After their action |
4. Turn Analysis
| Element | Consider |
|---|---|
| Card impact | Change ranges? |
| Range update | Narrow villain's range |
| My plan | What am I trying to achieve? |
| Sizing | Why this size? |
5. River Analysis
| Element | Consider |
|---|---|
| Final card | Any changes? |
| Villain's range | What hands take this line? |
| My decision | Value/bluff/fold |
| EV of options | Which is highest EV? |
6. Conclusion
| Element | Document |
|---|---|
| What I did | Actual action |
| What I should have done | Correct play |
| Why | The reasoning |
| Lesson | What to remember |
Example Structure
Hand: BTN vs BB, $1/$2
Setup:
- Hero BTN, $200 effective
- Villain BB, unknown
- Hero: A♥Q♠
Preflop: Hero opens 2.5x, BB calls. Standard.
Flop: K♥7♠2♣ (Pot: $11)
- BB checks, Hero bets $5.50 (50%)
- Analysis: Good texture for c-bet, range advantage
Turn: 9♠ (Pot: $22)
- BB check, Hero checks
- Analysis: Giving up with no equity pickup
River: Q♥ (Pot: $22)
- BB bets $15, Hero calls
- Analysis: Made 2nd pair, is this a call?
Conclusion:
- Did: Called
- Should have: Consider raising small for value?
- Lesson: 2nd pair on K-high board often good for thin value
Quick Template
1. Setup: [Stakes, Positions, Stacks, Reads]
2. Preflop: [Action, Range assessment]
3. Flop: [Board, Action, Range update]
4. Turn: [Card, Action, Range update]
5. River: [Card, Decision, Range analysis]
6. Conclusion: [Lesson learned]
Key Takeaway
Structured analysis prevents jumping to conclusions. Work through setup, preflop, each postflop street, and conclude with a clear lesson. This systematic approach ensures you don't miss factors and extracts maximum learning from every hand.