One of the most common questions I hear at the tables is, “What hands should I re-raise with before the flop?” (Remember, a re-raise is also called a 3-bet!). The answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. As with most things in poker, your strategy should vary based on your opponents’ strategies. If you blindly 3-bet with the same range of hands in every situation, you will lose a lot of money in the long run.
Linear or Polar Ranges
3-betting ranges are commonly referred to as “linear” or “polar.” A linear range consists of only the best hands. A typical example of a linear 3-betting range is as follows:
AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AKo, AQs+
It is best to 3-bet with a linear range on players who will call your reraise with many hands weaker than yours, and only 4-bet with premium hands that beat even a strong range of hands. Most weak and shallow-thinking players, found primarily at small stakes, fall into this category.
For example, if a small stakes player with a 100 BB stack raises from MP to 3 big blinds, and you are in the cutoff or on the button, you should often 3-bet with the linear range outlined above. Your opponent will usually call with several hands that you have dominated, such as 44, A4s, and KTs, and should only 4-bet with AA, KK, QQ, and AK. Your strategy against these players is incredibly simple and intuitive. When they call your 3-bet, you will extract a lot of money, and when they 4-bet, you can get out of the hand without too many losses.
A polarized 3-betting range consists of the absolute best hands and a few hands that are not good enough to just call a preflop raise. An example of a polarized range is as follows:
It is ideal to 3-bet with a polarized range against players who you know will either 4-bet a lot or fold a lot. Most good, aggressive players fall into this category. It is important to note that the value of your hand post-flop is not that important, since you will rarely see a flop.
Note that both the linear and polarized ranges contain about 9% of hands. While 9% is not a magic number, it is important to understand that different players can 3-bet with the same frequency, but with completely opposite ranges. Don't assume that all players who use this play are doing so with the same hands.
In fact, an example of a polarized range could consist of a different set of good bluffing hands. Here is another common example of a polarized range:
You should be more likely to 3-bet with hands containing “blocker” cards (an ace or king, for example) against players who you know will 4-bet a lot or fold frequently. Having an ace or king in your bluff hand makes it less likely that your opponent will have a premium hand, since there is one less ace or king in the deck. Against players who are likely to call your 3-bet, your range should contain a lot of suited connectors, since you will see the flop more often.
It is important to note that when you are 3-betting with a polarized range, sometimes instead of betting, your range of hands may be good for just calling, as they can have good chances of hitting monster flops, such as hands like 66, AJ, QTs and 76s. Playing these hands allows you to have good odds and equity post-flop, compared to a play where you would 3-bet them but be forced to fold to a 4-bet. Here again, the important thing is to know your opponent, as well as their betting patterns.
Conclusion – what do you expect from your 3-BET?
So next time you’re faced with a preflop raise, ask yourself what you expect your opponent to do if you 3-bet. If you pay close attention, you’ll find plenty of opportunities, even with marginal hands, to steal pots that you might otherwise have missed. Even if you only steal one preflop raise per hour, that will add a good amount of money to your win rate in the long run.
Article translated and adapted from the original: Which Hands To Raise
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The ranges mentioned are missing and are announced but not published.
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