[jim]

Range construction is something we all need to work on, so this is a great concept to circle. When this question came up in the study group, I remember struggling with it because the question isn’t really how to exploit a linear range, but how to exploit a linear range WHEN WE KNOW HOW THE PLAYER WILL RESPOND to our various actions. Someone might be 3-betting with a linear range, but they also fold to 4-bets at a high frequency. Other players might 3! with a linear range but fold to 4!s at a low frequency. We would want to exploit these players differently – the players with a high-frequency F4! stat we would bluff-4! them at a high frequency no matter how linear or polarized their 3! range was. Another player that 3! widely but check-folded flops at a high frequency would also be a bad target for that same 4! strategy as you can win more from them in the long run by calling the 3! and exploiting them on the flop instead.

So what are some general rules about polarized vs linear ranges? Theoretically, the polarized ranges have more BLUFFS in them and the linear ranges have more THIN VALUE in them. But some players treat these different classes of hands as the same “non-premium” class of hands and treat them the same – even though they perform differently at showdown and even throughout the hand.

What are some other thoughts about how to treat these kinds of ranges differently? I think knowing that we have 40 BBs makes a HUGE difference when talking about this so let’s stick to that area and not talk about deep or shortstacked factors.