If you’ve played modern poker, you’ve probably heard the word “range” used to describe a poker hand or seen a poker chart. But people who are just learning to play poker and don’t know words like “range” and “poker charts” probably have many questions. In the following paragraphs, we will cover every detail, such as what a range is, how to use it in a game, and how to read a poker range chart.
Poker charts and ranges play a significant role in developing a winning strategy. By using these tools, you can avoid common mistakes, and make informed decisions based on hand strength, position and actions of the opponent, as you adjust your strategy to maximise profits over time. Using a chart poker strategy and appropriate knowledge of poker ranges provides a clear framework for making smart decisions at the poker table, making them a vital part of any successful poker strategy.
What Are Poker Range Charts?
In poker, a chart is a visual representation of which hands a player should play or fold in different situations based on their position at the table, their opponent’s actions, and their hand’s strength. Here are a few common types of poker charts used in poker:
- Starting Hand Charts: This poker chart provides guidelines on hand selection based on their strength and position.
- Range Charts: Show potential hand range based on position and opponents’ actions.
- Bet Sizing Charts: Provide guidelines on bet sizing.
- Positional Advantage Charts: Help players understand the positional advantage and provide guidelines for adjusting strategy based on the position at the table.
- Outs Charts: Provides guidelines for the potential improvement of a hand and helps make informed decisions about whether to continue betting or folding.
If you want to get better at poker, remember to take notes of all basic poker terms related to chart poker and ranges used in the upcoming sections.
How to Use Poker Charts?
Poker players who look to up their game and make wiser decisions at the table may find using poker charts useful. The following advice will help you include charts in your game:
- Familiarise yourself with the poker chart to understand how it works and why certain hands are recommended in different situations.
- Adjust the chart to your playing style and the tendencies of your opponents.
- Avoid following poker charts blindly. Instead, use the chart as a guide, and make adjustments based on your observations and experience.
- Practice using the chart and note how it affects your decisions and results.
Benefits of using charts:
- Provides a clear framework for decision-making.
- Minimises mistakes such as playing too many weak hands or failing to adjust strategy based on position.
- A consistent approach to decision-making reduces the impact of emotions or impulsive decisions.
Limitations of using charts:
- Lack of flexibility: Chart poker techniques and strategies are guidelines that should be adjusted based on the game and the opponent’s tendencies.
- Limited information: Charts can only provide information on the hands being played and do not consider other factors that can impact the game, such as bluffing or reading opponents.
- Potential predictability: Over-reliance on charts can make a player’s poker strategy predictable, making it easier for opponents to exploit their weaknesses.
Expert Poker Charts
Expert poker charts and ranges are advanced tools that provide players with more detailed and nuanced guidance for making decisions at the poker table. These charts go beyond the basic starting hand charts and provide the following:
- Recommendations for playing in different situations.
- Considering factors such as position.
- Stack sizes.
- Opponent tendencies.
There are 33 chart poker strategies and ranges for expert poker players. Each one is made to focus on a different play area. These charts have information about bluffing, how much to bet, how to play after the flop, how to play before the flop, and many other things.
By using this professional poker chart knowledge, players can improve their ability to make decisions that will make them money. It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t just blindly follow these charts, and players should change their strategy based on the game they are playing and who they are playing against.
Pre-Flop Charts
These charts provide recommended starting hand ranges for a given situation in a poker game, allowing players to make more informed decisions about which hands to play, raise, or fold before the flop.
Different pre flop charts and their uses:
- Tight-Aggressive Chart: These are designed for players who prefer tight and aggressive games such as pocket pairs, high-suited connectors, and high-suited aces. The idea behind this strategy is only to play hands with a high chance of winning and to play them aggressively to pressure opponents.
- Loose-Aggressive Chart: These are meant for players who want to play a loose and aggressive game. This strategy focuses on playing a lot of hands to keep opponents guessing and pressure them while also playing them aggressively. It recommends playing a wider range of hands, including suited connectors, lower pairs, and suited aces.
- Situational Charts: These pre-flop charts are designed for specific situations, such as playing from different positions, facing different bet sizes, or playing against other opponents. They recommend adjusting your starting hand range based on the game’s circumstances.
- GTO Charts: These pre-flop charts are based on Game Theory optimal strategies to help players make balanced decisions. They recommend playing a range of hands that is both profitable and difficult for opponents to exploit, intending to play strong, challenging-to-read hands, making it harder for opponents to change their play against you.
Examples of pre flop charts used by experts:
- Upswing Poker: This site offers a variety of pre-flop charts, including tight and loose-aggressive options, as well as situational charts for different positions and stack sizes. They are a trustworthy resource for players of all skill levels because their charts are based on analysis of millions of hands played by professional players.
- PokerSnowie: This AI-powered software provides GTO-based pre-flop charts for various game types and player profiles. Instead of relying on instinct or hunches, their charts are intended to assist players in reaching balanced decisions based on mathematical principles.
- PokerStrategy: This site offers a range of pre-flop charts for different games and stakes, including GTO and exploitative strategies. Their charts are made to aid players in grasping the fundamentals of poker strategy and offer direction on modifying their play depending on the game’s particulars.
Post-Flop Charts
These charts visually represent the poker hands you might encounter after the flop and provide guidance on how to play them. Studying post flop charts can improve your decision-making skills and help you make more informed plays on the poker table.
Different post flop charts and their uses:
- Hand Ranges Chart: This chart provides an overview of the different hand ranges you might encounter after the flop, including strong hands like top pairs, flush draws, and straight draws, as well as weaker hands like gut shots and bottom pairs. Using this chart, you can determine the likelihood of your opponents having strong or weak hands and make informed decisions.
- C-Bet Chart: A C-bet is a continuation bet made by the player who raised the pre-flop. This chart offers guidance on when to make a C-bet and when to check based on the strength of your hand and the flop’s texture. Using this chart can make more accurate C-bets and avoid costly mistakes.
- Check-Raise Chart: A check-raise is a deceptive play where you check your hand to induce your opponent to raise their bet. This chart offers guidance on when to check-raise and proceed cautiously based on the strength of your hand and the likelihood of your opponent holding a strong hand. Using this chart, you can make more effective check-raises and take down more pots.
- Bluffing Chart: Despite being a crucial tool, it can be dangerous if used erratically. This chart offers guidance on when to bluff and when to avoid bluffing based on the strength of your hand, the texture of the flop, and your opponents’ tendencies. Using this chart, you can make more successful bluffs and avoid getting caught.
Examples of post flop charts used by experts:
- Upswing Poker’s Hand Range Chart: Upswing Poker, a popular poker training site, has created a comprehensive hand range chart that provides an overview of the different hand ranges you might encounter after the flop. Based on the likelihood that the opponents will have strong or weak hands, the chart was created to help players decide how to proceed.
- PokerStrategy.com’s Bluffing Chart: On this top poker strategy website, a bluffing chart advises when to bluff and avoid bluffing. The chart considers the strength of your hand, the texture of the flop, and your opponent’s tendencies and is designed to help players make more successful bluffs.
Post-flop charts are invaluable for any poker player looking to improve their game. You can improve your game at the poker table by studying these charts and incorporating their insights into your decision-making.
Range Charts
These charts visually represent the different hand ranges that players might have in different situations, such as pre-flop, post-flop, and on different board textures. Using a poker range chart, players can better understand their opponents’ potential holdings and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Different range charts and their uses:
- Pre-flop Range Chart: Players may have various hands before the flop depending on their position at the table and the number of other players. Using this chart, players can devise a pre-flop strategy that considers their position and potential opponent holdings.
- Post-flop Range Chart: This chart provides an overview of the different hand ranges that players might have after the flop, based on the texture of the board and the actions of their opponents. It allows players to understand their opponents’ ranges and make more informed decisions about their play.
- Flopzilla Range Chart: Flopzilla is a software that lets players figure out what kinds of hands their opponents could have in a given situation. The tool shows players what possible hands they could have based on the cards on the board and their actions. Flopzilla lets players judge their ranges more accurately and change their strategies accordingly.
- Hand Matrix Range Chart: This chart provides an overview of the different hand combinations that players might have in a particular situation based on their position at the table and the potential holdings of their opponents.
Professional poker players often rely on range charts to gain an edge over opponents. Here are some examples of range charts used by experts:
- Upswing Poker’s Pre-flop Range Chart: Upswing Poker, a popular poker training site, has created a comprehensive pre-flop range chart that provides an overview of the different hand ranges that players might have in different positions. The chart is designed to help players develop a pre-flop strategy that considers their position at the table and the potential holdings of their opponents.
- PokerSnowie’s Postflop Range Chart: PokerSnowie is a software that lets players figure out what kinds of hands their opponents might have after the flop. The tool shows players what their possible hands might look like based on the texture of the board and their actions at the moment. With PokerSnowie, players can make better decisions about how to play and change their strategies to fit.
- Range vs Range’s Range Chart: With the software tool “Range vs Range,” players can assess the potential range of hands that their rivals may hold in various circumstances. Based on the cards on the board and the player’s actions in hand, the tool shows the possible hands that players might have. With the aid of Range vs Range, players can assess ranges more precisely and modify their tactics as necessary.
Bet Sizing Charts
Bet sizing is a crucial component of poker strategy. It can help players maximise their winnings and minimise their losses by assisting them in determining the optimal size of their bets in different situations. These charts visually represent the recommended bet sizes for different types of bets, such as pre-flop raises, continuation bets, and value bets.
Different types of bet sizing poker charts and their uses:
- Pre-flop Raise Chart: Players should consider the suggested bet sizes for pre-flop raises based on their position at the table and the number of players present to develop a pre-flop raising strategy that maximises their chances of winning the pot.
- Continuation Bet Chart: This chart provides an overview of the recommended bet sizes for continuation bets based on the board’s texture and the players’ position in hand. This chart lets players make more informed decisions about their continuation bets and avoid over-betting or under-betting the pot.
- Value Bet Chart: This chart focuses on bet sizes for value bets based on the strength of the player’s hand and the potential holdings of their opponents. Players can use this chart to maximise their winnings by betting the right amount when they have a strong hand.
- Mixed Strategy Chart: The chart recommends bet sizes for a mixed strategy, which involves a combination of different bet sizes in different situations. Players can keep their opponents guessing and maximise their profits by varying their bet sizes using this chart.
Examples of Bet Sizing Charts used by experts:
- Upswing Poker’s Pre-flop Raise Chart: Upswing Poker’s pre-flop raise chart provides an overview of the recommended bet sizes for pre-flop raises based on the player’s position at the table and the number of players. This poker chart is designed to help players develop a pre-flop raising strategy that maximises their chances of winning the pot.
- Advanced Poker Training’s Continuation Bet Chart: Advanced Poker Training’s continuation bet chart provides an overview of the recommended bet sizes for continuation bets based on the board’s texture and the players’ position in hand. The chart is designed to help players make more informed decisions about their continuation bets and avoid overbetting or underbetting the pot.
- Red Chip Poker’s Value Bet Chart: Red Chip Poker’s value bet chart provides an overview of the recommended bet sizes for value bets based on the strength of the player’s hand and the potential holdings of their opponents. The chart is designed to help players maximise their winnings by betting the right amount when they have a strong hand.
Poker Odds Charts
Poker odds chart give players a visual representation of the probabilities of different hands and outcomes, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their actions. By understanding the odds of different scenarios, players can make more strategic decisions that maximise their winnings and minimise their losses.
Players use various types of poker odds charts in different situations. Here are some of the most common poker odds charts and their uses:
- Pre-Flop Odds Chart: This chart overviews the probabilities of different starting hands winning a hand before the flop and lets players make more informed decisions about which hands to play and which to fold.
- Post-Flop Odds Chart: This chart overviews the probabilities of different hands winning a hand after the flop. Players can use this chart to make more informed decisions about their actions after the flop, such as whether to bet, raise, or fold.
- Drawing Odds Chart: This chart provides an overview of the probabilities of completing different types of draws, such as flush and straight. Players can use this chart to make more informed decisions about whether to call or fold when facing a bet on a drawing hand.
- Pot Odds Chart: This chart provides an overview of the pot odds, which is the ratio of the pot size to the size of the bet. This chart lets players make more informed decisions about calling or folding when facing a bet.
Examples of poker odds charts used by experts:
- Pokerstrategy’s Pre-Flop Odds Chart: poker strategy’s pre-flop odds chart overviews the probabilities of different starting hands winning a hand before the flop.
- Advanced Poker Training’s Post-Flop Odds Chart: Advanced Poker Training’s post-flop odds chart provides an overview of the probabilities of different hands winning a hand after the flop. The chart is designed to help players make more informed decisions about their actions after the flop, such as whether to bet, raise, or fold.
- Red Chip Poker’s Drawing Odds Chart: Red Chip Poker’s drawing odds chart provides an overview of the probabilities of completing different types of draws, such as flush and straight. The chart is designed to help players make more informed decisions about whether to call or fold when facing a bet on a drawing hand.
Poker Starting Hands Charts
Starting hands chart poker is essential for poker players who want to make better decisions about which all hands in poker to play and which to fold. These charts show players how strong various starting hands are, allowing them to make more strategic decisions to win more money and minimise their losses.
Different types of poker starting hands chart and their uses:
- Sklansky/Malmuth Starting Hands Chart: This chart provides a comprehensive list of recommended hands for Texas Hold’em. The chart ranks each hand according to its strength and recommends how to play the hand based on the position and the action at the table.
- Harrington’s Starting Hands Chart: This chart focuses on a more conservative approach to starting hand selection, and it recommends playing fewer hands but more aggressively, particularly in later positions.
- Upswing Poker’s Starting Hands Chart: Upswing Poker’s Starting Hands Chart is a more modern approach to starting hand selection. It considers different factors, such as the player’s skill level and opponents’ tendencies, to recommend which hands to play.
Here are some starting hands chart poker examples used by experts:
- Upswing Poker’s Starting Hands Chart: It is a famous starting hands chart used by many professional poker players. The chart considers different factors, such as the player’s skill level and opponents’ tendencies, to recommend which hands to play.
- Pokerstrategy’s Starting Hands Chart: The Starting Hands Chart on PokerStrategy is a complete list of starting hands with tips for Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and other popular poker games. The chart tells you which hands to play based on your position and how many others are at the table.
- CardPlayer’s Starting Hands Chart: This chart is a simple but effective starting hands chart with recommendations for Texas Hold’em. The chart is designed to be easy to use and can be a helpful tool for beginners looking to improve their starting hand selection.
Poker Blinds Charts
The poker blinds chart helps players keep track of the blind levels and the corresponding bets in a poker tournament. The blinds increase over time, and the chart helps players keep track of how much they need to bet and when. This ensures the game runs smoothly and players don’t make mistakes due to confusion over the blind levels.
Different types of poker blinds charts and their uses:
Basic Blinds Chart: A basic blinds chart is a simple chart that shows the blind levels and the corresponding bets for a standard poker tournament. The chart typically includes the following:
- The starting blinds.
- The time intervals between each level.
- The blinds and antes for each level.
- Turbo Blinds Chart: This is similar to a basic one, but the blind levels increase more rapidly. This is often used in tournaments with shorter playing times or where the tournament needs to be completed quickly.
- Deep Stack Blinds Chart: This chart is designed for tournaments where players start with larger chips. The blind levels are typically slower to increase, allowing players to play more hands and make more strategic decisions.
Professional poker players often rely on blind charts to help them keep track of their blind levels and make better decisions. Here are some examples of poker blinds charts used by experts:
- PokerListings’ Tournament Blind Structure Chart: Comprehensive chart shows the blind levels, the time intervals between each level, and the related bets. The chart is designed to be easy to use and can be a helpful tool for players of all skill levels.
- PokerStars’ Turbo Tournaments Blinds Structure: This chart shows the blind levels and the corresponding bets for turbo tournaments. It is designed to help players keep track of the fast-paced nature of turbo tournaments and make better decisions based on the increasing blinds.
- Triton Poker’s Deep Stack Tournament Structure: Triton Poker’s Deep Stack Tournament Structure is a chart that shows the blind levels and the corresponding bets for deep stack tournaments. The chart is designed to help players make more strategic decisions based on the slower blind increases and the larger starting stacks.
GTO Charts
GTO (Game Theory Optimal) charts are used in poker to help players make optimal decisions based on game theory principles. These poker charts guide how to play each hand in a certain situation, considering the position, stack sizes, and opponents’ ranges. Players can use GTO charts to ensure they make mathematically sound decisions and gain an edge over their opponents.
Players can use different types of GTO charts, depending on the format of the game and the situation at hand. Here are some of the most common types of GTO charts and their uses:
- Pre-flop GTO Chart: A pre-flop GTO poker chart guides how to play each hand in a certain position based on optimal ranges. It considers factors such as the number of players at the table and the stack sizes. This chart can help players make better opening, calling, and 3-betting range decisions.
- Postflop GTO Chart: A post-flop GTO chart guides how to play each hand after the flop based on optimal ranges. It considers factors such as the strength of the player’s hand, the position, and the opponents’ ranges. This chart can help players make better decisions regarding bet sizing, checking, and calling ranges.
- Range vs Range GTO Chart: A range vs range GTO chart poker strategy guides how to play against different ranges of opponents. It considers factors such as the position, the strength of the player’s hand, and the opponents’ ranges. This chart can help players make better decisions regarding 3-betting, calling, and bluffing ranges.
Examples of GTO charts used by experts:
- Upswing Poker’s Pre-flop GTO Chart: This comprehensive chart shows optimal ranges for opening, calling, and 3-betting positions. The chart is designed to help players make better decisions regarding pre-flop play.
- MonkerSolver’s Postflop GTO Chart: MonkerSolver’s Postflop GTO Chart is a comprehensive chart that shows optimal ranges for post-flop play in different situations. The chart considers factors such as the player’s position, the strength of their hand, and the opponents’ ranges.
- RangeConverter’s Range vs Range GTO Chart: RangeConverter’s Range vs Range GTO Chart is a comprehensive chart that shows optimal ranges for playing against different ranges of opponents. The chart considers factors such as the position, the strength of the player’s hand, and the opponents’ ranges.
Conclusion
This article discussed various poker charts used in offline and online poker casinos, including post-flop charts, range charts, bet sizing charts, poker odds charts, poker starting hands charts, poker blinds charts, and GTO charts. We’ve discussed their applications and advantages and shown you charts that experts use.
Using a chart poker strategy can help you make better decisions at the table and ultimately win more money. However, remember that poker charts should be used outside critical thinking and decision-making. They are tools that assist players in making more informed decisions based on mathematically sound rules.
Assume you want to improve your game. If this is the case, there are numerous websites where you can learn more about poker charts and how to use any poker chart to your advantage. Here are some excellent starting points:
A popular site for learning how to play poker is our website. It provides courses, articles, and videos on various poker and poker charts. They explain how to use charts to improve your game and provide helpful tips and advice.
Finally, poker charts assist players in making better decisions at the table and increase their chances of winning. However, remember that these charts should not be used in place of critical thinking and decision-making. They are tools that assist players in making more informed decisions based on mathematically sound rules.