How to start thinking in ranges?

Hi!

I play NLHE micros for several years, but can't get comfortable with ranges.

Yes, I understand how to use preflop range charts, it's easy.
But when it comes to utilizing opponent's ranges in different situations or even comprehending "my range" against "his range" I'm completely lost.
Learning curve is too steep for me.

I need some advice how to master this range stuff gradually, little by little.
I searched for books, but found only about range construction which is not what I need.

First, you should learn to visualize what a range looks like. For example, what hands go into top 30%, 25%, 20%, etc. hands. This is something that I've tried to learn by heart with mixed results.

But learning that helps only a little if you don't really know much about your opponent's ranges. So against a stranger things get complicated. Then you should just try to make a note about the kind of hands they play and try to put them on a range. But if you play with the same people often then a HUD can give you insight of their ranges.

So, if you have some idea of your opponent's range, and you do know your own range, then it is pretty much slapping those numbers into a tool like Flopzilla and comparing how your range works against theirs in different situations.

To sum it up, there is a huge amount of tedious learning by heart, and I, for one, am quick to forget.

And don't forget that there are many Youtube videos about this subject. Just search 'thinking in ranges'.

Fahrenheit451 said:

Hi!

I play NLHE micros for several years, but can't get comfortable with ranges.

Yes, I understand how to use preflop range charts, it's easy.
But when it comes to utilizing opponent's ranges in different situations or even comprehending "my range" against "his range" I'm completely lost.
Learning curve is too steep for me.

I need some advice how to master this range stuff gradually, little by little.
I searched for books, but found only about range construction which is not what I need.

Click to expand...

Thank you for posting

There are programs where you a put in situations BTN VS BB etc and you learn to take actions based on playing a hand vs the computer. These are great for learning what you want to learn exactly. You also learn at your pace.

If you want to use your own hands in a review learning process you would start preflop and look at positional range charts for both positions preflop then look at the flop and see which range has more nut hands and more 2 pair hands in their range.

Ex

Ep open-BB call -flop 723R

BB has all 22 33 77 and suited 23 EP does not open 22 33 and no 23suited but does have 77 so BB has the nut advantage.

EP does raise AA-66 etc but BB does not just call with top of range so Ep has the overall range advantage on flop.

That is how you would start step by step using the charts and a hand example to learn how to recognize range advantage-nut advantage and range refining street by street.

Feel free to ask another question based on your next step to study and I will respond
if you use quote reply it will let me know

Hope this helps

Nafor said:

But if you play with the same people often then a HUD can give you insight of their ranges.

Click to expand...

Isn't that HUD gives only VPIP and PFR so only two ranges while in each position and each game situation there will be different ranges?

Nafor said:

So, if you have some idea of your opponent's range, and you do know your own range, then it is pretty much slapping those numbers into a tool like Flopzilla and comparing how your range works against theirs in different situations.

Click to expand...

Do you mean that studying these situations with flopzilla will eventually develop some range instinct in me?

eetenor said:

Thank you for posting

Feel free to ask another question based on your next step to study and I will respond
if you use quote reply it will let me know

Hope this helps

Click to expand...

Thanks for your advise!
Looks like I need to practice some time before I even get to know what it is that I don't understand

Ranges? i don't need no stinkin ranges,,, :deal:

Fahrenheit451 said:

Isn't that HUD gives only VPIP and PFR so only two ranges while in each position and each game situation there will be different ranges?

Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry too much about players having different ranges according to their position while we dabble in the micros, so in that sense even the VPIP can give a rudimentary view of how tight or loose someone is.

Fahrenheit451 said:

Do you mean that studying these situations with flopzilla will eventually develop some range instinct in me?

Click to expand...

Hopefully, yes. But it's a long road and it takes a lot of time before it becomes a second nature. I'm still waiting for it to happen :dontknow:

this might help Become a Winning Poker Player in 30 Days | (Day 3) (cardschat.com)

all about thinking ranges

Nafor said:

First, you should learn to visualize what a range looks like. For example, what hands go into top 30%, 25%, 20%, etc. hands. This is something that I've tried to learn by heart with mixed results.

But learning that helps only a little if you don't really know much about your opponent's ranges. So against a stranger things get complicated. Then you should just try to make a note about the kind of hands they play and try to put them on a range. But if you play with the same people often then a HUD can give you insight of their ranges.

So, if you have some idea of your opponent's range, and you do know your own range, then it is pretty much slapping those numbers into a tool like Flopzilla and comparing how your range works against theirs in different situations.

To sum it up, there is a huge amount of tedious learning by heart, and I, for one, am quick to forget.

And don't forget that there are many Youtube videos about this subject. Just search 'thinking in ranges'.

Click to expand...

Good advice, really helped me either