Definition
A hand range is a practical way to describe the hands a player can have, such as ‘all suited aces’ or ‘top pairs and better’.
Hand range
A range defined in terms of hand categories or combo weights.
Key points
- Preflop ranges are often built from charts; postflop ranges evolve by action.
- A good range includes both value and bluffs where appropriate.
- Range assumptions are the biggest driver of equity output.
Common misconceptions
Myth
A range chart is always correct.
Reality
Real ranges depend on player type and game format.
Myth
Postflop ranges don’t matter.
Reality
They matter more than preflop once the board is known.