Many players study a preflop chart, memorize their combinations, and then use exactly the same three-bet strategy against any opponent. However, that rigidity prevents exploiting the most common mistakes at the tables, especially at low and mid levels.
Jonathan Little
A polarized range combines the strongest hands —aces, kings, queens, and ace-king— with draws that are slightly below the call range, such as 9-7 suited or 8-6 suited. The middle hands, including suited broadways, pairs, and connectors, remain in the calling range.
This structure simplifies decisions against a four-bet. With the top part, we are willing to continue, while bluffs can be folded without much cost. Additionally, we keep hands like K-J suited or A-J offsuit to contest controllable pots and keep dominated combinations within the opponent’s range.
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Little recommends polarizing against competent players who respond with four-bet or fold, and also against those who fold too much. In the latter case, using weak hands as bluffs allows turning unprofitable combinations into immediate gains.
The linear range, on the other hand, is simply made up of the best available hands: medium or higher pairs, strong aces, and quality broadways. Its goal is to punish opponents who call too many reraises with dominated holdings.
Against a recreational player who opens and then calls with K-9 suited, three-betting A-J suited creates an excellent scenario: a big pot, usually heads-up, against an inferior hand. It also helps to push out players behind and avoid multiway pots.
Adaptation is especially important from the blinds and when stacks are deep, situations in which Little prefers linear ranges. The most costly mistake is turning perfectly playable medium hands into bluffs and folding them to a four-bet.
The conclusion is simple: before looking at the chart, you have to look at the opponent. Their likely response will determine which range generates the greatest benefit
Source: Jonathan Little on pokernews.com
