Understanding 3-Bet Ranges

As poker matures and aggression increases, it’s very important that you are understanding 3-bet ranges correctly. Today’s players are using advanced 3 bets more often and applying lots of preflop pressure, so it’s imperative that we can handle their 3-bets profitably. In this article, we are going to discuss how to analyze a 3-bet range to help choose the best line when facing a 3-bet.

Whenever we do anything in poker we want to first consider our opponent’s overall range. Now, some 3-bet ranges are very easy to estimate and others are much more difficult. For instance, take a 12/8 super tight nit with a 3-bet of 1.2%. This person is obviously 3-betting a much stronger range of hands than a 27/23 LAG with a 3-bet of 9.6%.

Types Of 3-Betting Ranges

What does their 3-bet % actually tell us about the hands they are 3-betting? To understand that we need to understand polarization and some very simple range math. 

Polarized 3-bet Ranges

A polarized range is made up of nut and bluff hands. These ranges include the strongest of hands in the upper-left-hand corner of the matrix, and there is a gap between the “other” hands also included.

Depolarized 3-bet Ranges

Merged, also known as depolarized, ranges include nuts and the next-strongest hands. You won’t find a gap between the hands in the upper-left-hand corner of the matrix and the “other” hands also included.

Comparing 3-bet Ranges

So a polarized range may include hands like QQ/KK/AA/AK and maybe a 54s/A7o/J8s. A depolarized range may include hands like QQ/KK/AA/AK and also JJ/TT/AQ/AJs. Notice the polarized range includes super strong hands and weaker hands, while the depolarized range includes super strong hands and some other strong-side hands as well.

GTO Poker & 3-Bet Bluffs

3-betting weak hands preflop is an important component of GTO balanced play since it prevents the 3-bet range from becoming overly strong. It also aids in the formation of a polarized river range by ensuring that we will have a selection of air combos, regardless of the runout.

Although the solver 3-bets some especially speculative hands from the BB, this does not mean human players should automatically do the same. While the solver’s objective is to ensure the 3-betting range is sufficiently weak (to maintain range balance), human players in most lineups should primarily focus on 3-betting hands that are sufficiently strong.

If a human opponent is folding to 3-bets less than a GTO solver would, the weakest holdings in a theoretically correct BB 3-bet range run the risk of becoming directly -EV in practice.

For more on this concept, read GTO Gems 2.

3-Bet Range Construction

Now let’s take this concept and compare it to range math and construction. So when we look at our hud and see that a player is 3-betting 2.5% of the time, what does that mean? What does a 2.5% 3-bet range look like? The tough part is that we will never 100% know.

And as that 3-bet % increases, it becomes even more difficult to assess the entire range precisely. But we can understand some basic poker ranges to get us started.

First, what are the logical strong-side ranges, and what % of hands are they? Well KK/AA (KK+) is .9% of hands. So if a player is 3-betting 1% of hands or less, chances are it is incredibly nutted. Another logical strong-side range is QQ+/AK, which is 2.6% of hands. If a player is 3-betting TT+/AQ+ that is 4.7% of hands.

Assigning 3-bet Ranges

So let’s say we face a 3-bet and our opponent has a 3.5% 3-bet. We think they will 3-bet QQ+/AK as the strong side of their range, which we know is 2.6% of hands. So this means 74% (2.6/3.5) of their 3-bet range is very strong, and we can simply estimate how we would perform against the entire 3.5% range.

Or say a player resteals (3-bets our steal) 12% of the time and that they would 3-bet TT+/AQ+ for value. That means that only 39% of their resteal range is strong. But what is the other 61% of their range here? Is it hands like AXs or 44? Hands like K7o or Q9s? We can’t be 100% sure, but at least having an idea of the strong-side density of their 3-bet range gives us a starting point.

Now we can bring this back to the polarization concept we talked about earlier. Say we think a player is 3-betting 6% of hands in this spot and that they would 3-bet TT+/AQ+ each time. Well, that means 78% (4.7/6) of their 3-bet range is TT+/AQ+, but what is the other 1.3%? If they 3-bet a depolarized range it probably includes hands like AJ/KQ/99/JTs sometimes.

Whereas a player who 3-bets polarized would probably use some weaker stuff (A4s, 22, 86o, etc.) the other 22% of the time. This may not seem important, but it can influence our outright equity against their range and also the postflop playability if we decide to call the 3-bet.

It should go without saying that you will rarely ever know a player’s exact 3-bet range. But if you can visualize their range like a pie chart , it helps you understand the density of strong vs weak hands in their range. If you need a more in-depth explanation or a visual example, check out this video.

In it, I take you step by step, showing the powerful framework for building your opponent’s range in a precise and structured manner. Learn how the range forks, how different hands fall into different buckets, and how to narrow their call vs 3-bet range.

Once you’re able to apply this knowledge, your postflop play will become a million times easier while also helping you find extra bluff 3-bets preflop.

3-Betting Versus Different Player Types

Comprehending and adjusting to different opponent types is crucial, especially when it comes to 3-betting strategies.

Against a tight nit, characterized by a conservative playing style and a narrow 3-bet range, a savvy player might exploit this by widening their 3-betting range. Nits typically 3-bet premium hands; a skilled player could leverage this predictability by incorporating more speculative hands into their 3-bet arsenal. This adjustment aims to capitalize on the nit’s tendency to fold to aggression, thus scooping pots without facing strong opposition.

Conversely, when facing an aggressive loose player (LAG) with a wider 3-bet range, you must make adjustments to counter their relentless preflop pressure. In this scenario, a player might opt for a more conservative 3-betting strategy, focusing on a narrow range of hands that can withstand the aggression of a loose opponent. This strategic shift aims to exploit the LAG’s fondness for bluffing, allowing the player to trap them with strong holdings.

Moreover, considering positional dynamics is crucial. Skilled players understand that opponents may alter their 3-bet strategy depending on their position at the table. Adjustments must be made against a 3-bet from the cutoff versus one from the blinds. Players may tighten their range when facing a 3-bet from an earlier position due to the perceived strength of their opponent’s hand.

On the other hand, against a 3-bet from the late positions, there’s an expectation of a broader range, calling for a strategic widening of your calling range.

Acknowledging that player tendencies vary (especially in live cash game poker) and adapting to individual styles is ongoing. A proficient player observes, adapts, and exploits opponents’ patterns, recognizing that a player’s 3-betting strategy against them might differ based on the player’s perception of their style.

In essence, adjusting 3-bet ranges involves a delicate balance of exploiting opponents’ tendencies while remaining unpredictable.

Adjusting 3-Bet Ranges Against Different Players

Poker is a game of adaptation, and your 3-bet strategy should adjust based on opponent tendencies. Consider these adjustments:

• Against Tight Players: These opponents fold often to 3-bets. Increase your 3-bet bluff frequency with hands that block strong holdings (like Ax or Kx hands).
• Against Loose-Aggressive (LAG) Players: You should 3-bet for value with a wider range, as these players will call with marginal holdings. Hands like JJ+, AQ+, and KQs gain value.
• Against Passive Callers: Some players call 3-bets too often without strong hands. Expand your value range and reduce your bluffs to maximize your win rate against them.
• Against Maniacs: 3-bet a more linear range that includes hands like TT+ and AQ+, and be prepared to call down post-flop when they continue aggressively.

And if you need help choosing your own 3-betting preflop ranges, unlock The GTO Ranges App today and get both exploitative and GTO 3-bet ranges!

3-Bet Sizing Strategies

Understanding how much to 3-bet for is just as important as knowing when to 3-bet. Proper sizing depends on multiple factors, including position, opponent tendencies, and effective stack sizes.

• General 3-Bet Sizing Guidelines:
  • In Position: 2.5x – 3x the open raise size.
  • Out of Position: 3x – 4x the open raise size.
  • Short Stacked (Below 40BB): Consider using smaller 3-bets (2.2x – 2.5x) to preserve fold equity while keeping your range balanced.
  • Deep Stacked (150BB+): Retain the normal sizing strategies mentioned earlier as a default.
• Exploitative Adjustments:
  • Against players who call frequently, size up your 3-bets for value.
  • Against players who fold too often, a smaller size can generate maximum folds while minimizing risk.

Common 3-Betting Mistakes

Even experienced players make mistakes when constructing and executing 3-bet strategies. Here are some of the most common errors:

• Overusing Linear or Polarized Ranges Incorrectly:
  • A linear 3-bet range (premium hands + strong broadways) is best against players who fold less often facing a 3-bet.
  • A polarized 3-bet range (nuts + bluffs) works well against players who fold too much.
  • Many players fail by using the wrong approach against specific opponents.
• Failing to Adjust to Opponent Tendencies:
  • Auto-piloting your 3-bet ranges without adapting leads to lost EV.
  • Always adjust your range based on player stats, past hands, and table dynamics.
• 3-Betting Too Much from the Wrong Positions:
  • While aggression is key, overusing 3-bets against early position opens or against strong opponents is a common leak.
  • Focus on 3-betting the right frequencies from late position and versus weaker opponents.
• Lack of Post-Flop Planning:
  • Many players 3-bet hands that perform poorly in deep-stack post-flop play.
  • Before making a 3-bet, consider what your post-flop strategy will look like, especially when out of position.

Conclusion

Understanding 3-bet ranges is an essential skill for any serious poker player. By considering position, adjusting to opponent tendencies, optimizing bet sizes, and refining post-flop play, you can develop a more profitable and well-balanced strategy. Avoid common mistakes, and always be willing to adapt based on table dynamics.

And you should also remember that good players 3-bet dynamically. This means they will 3-bet a different range from the CO against an EP open than they would 3-bet from the blinds against a BUT open. Good players will also 3-bet you differently than they 3-bet fish or an unknown player, so while a reg may have an overall 5% 3-bet, they may 3-bet this exact situation differently.

This article was meant to be a starting point so you can start understanding what normal ranges look like, how to visualize strong v weak densities, and how polarized v depolarized ranges look and change things. Do some work on your own to think about how this can be useful (hint, think about 4betting!), and you’ll be well on your way to hand reading better in 3-bet pots!

Want to understand what players are CALLING your 3-bets with? I created a free guide just for you…