I urge all readers to download PokerStove. It is a very useful tool for evaluating hands vs ranges. Maybe by running a few hands you'll see how I think about situations where I am reraised.
I rarely put my opponents on "a hand" - rather I put them on a range of hands and then assess the value of my hand against that range.
In preflop scenarios where I get reraised I generally ignore bluffing and put my opponents on 1 of 4 ranges.
The ultraloose reraising range typical of top higher limit cash game players: 22+, A2s+, K9s+, QTs+, J9s+, T8s+, 98s, 87s, 76s, 65s, 54s, A2o+, KTo+, QTo+, J9o+, T8o+, 98o.
Against these players gambling hands like AJs, KQs, QJs and small pairs are about even money:
QJs = 49%
KQs = 51%
AJs = 61%
44 = 49%
Tightening that range up a little bit yields what I call the loose reraising range typical of late-stage tournament play: 22+, A2s+, K9s+, QTs+, J9s+, T8s+, ATo+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo.
Here the marginal hands get to about even money:
QJs = 45%
KQs = 51%
AJs = 56%
44 = 46%
KQs fairs about the same against a tighter reraising range but QJs, AJs and small pairs fall off somewhat.
Removing some of the low pairs, suited connectors, lesser aces and easily-dominated two broadway combos yields the tight reraising range of: 77+, ATs+, KQs, QJs, JTs, AJo+, KQo.
Now you are getting into very marginal situations with hands that will be very tough to play post-flop:
QJs = 36%
KQs = 41%
AJs = 44%
44 = 39%
Clearly you are getting on pretty thin ice ...
Removing more pairs, AT, AJ and modest two broadway combos yields the ultratight reraising range of: TT+, AJs+, AKo.
Here is where the most common "marginal calling hands" flatten out to 2:1 dogs:
QJs = 32%
KQs = 33%
AJs = 33%
44 = 34%
So when facing a reraise or an all-in apply a reasonable range for your opponent and ask yourself whether you want to get involved with shit hands like AJs, KQs, QJs or small pairs ...
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6 comments:
Good post Fuel. Really puts into prospective the true value of these truely margina/underdog hand situations. It really adds the emphasis when you lay out the numbers on the table. ( drawflush.com )
Very useful post, this should simply re-enforce the fact that you don't want to be playing hands that have a high probability of being dominated when you are re-raised preflop.
Sticking to the larger non-premium PPs (Pre55to - 99), and the mid-range SCs(JTs - 76s) WITH position - and possibly extra callers - is far more profitable, as you are not so likely to hit TP and find out your kicker aint worth a damn. Also with position and a strong draw from a mid-range SC you can often float the flop and steal/draw on the turn if checked to....
Good post.
Just read your entire blog first post to this one. Really enjoyed it.
Couple of Q's: When and where are the blogger tournies (mookie, etc)
If I sent you some hands could you let me know what you think of them? I respect your game a lot after reading your ideas and thoughts and would love to get some insight to the way I played a few hands.
Thanks
Knightsridge
1. Very insightful and helpful post. If only all the bloggers would read this it would elevate the play across the board considerably.
2. Poor knightsridge, reading your entire blog start to finish in one sitting like that. Talk about masochism!
Took me a week, not one sitting.
What else am I supposed to do at work? Obv read poker blogs.
Thanks for the link.
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