🟢 Pre-Flop Recap:
Hero (you) opened from UTG with AKs. This is a strong hand and should absolutely be in your opening range from UTG.
Villain (BB) called, which means they’re likely playing a wider range since they’re closing the action and getting a good price. Their range will have:
- All suited broadways (KQ, QJ, JT, etc.)
- Suited Aces (A2s–A5s, A9s, etc.)
- Medium and low pairs (22–99)
- Suited connectors (76s, 87s, T9s)
- Offsuit broadways (KJo, QJo, etc.)
- Some suited one-gappers like 97s or T8s
🟦 The Flop: 8♦ 9♥ 4♣
Pot: 630 (6.3 BB)
You’re first to act. What now?
🔍 Step-by-Step Thought Process:
1. Who has the range advantage?
- You: Opened UTG → stronger, tighter range.
- BB: Called → wider, more middling cards.
BUT: On this specific flop (8-9-4 rainbow), the BB actually connects more often than you do:
- They have more 2-pair and pair+draw combos.
- They have hands like 98s, 87s, 76s, 44, 99, 88 that you mostly don’t have from UTG.
So the BB has a range advantage here.
2. Who has the nut advantage?
You still have overpairs like TT–AA, and top broadways like AK, AQ. But the best possible hands (sets, two pairs, straights) are more often in BB’s range.
3. What part of Villain’s range missed this flop?
These hands likely missed:
- A5s, A3s (suited wheel aces)
- KQs, QJs, JT (overcards)
- Small pairs like 22, 33, 55, 66 (still missed but might call one street)
4. What part of Villain’s range hits this board and would call?
- Pairs: 8x, 9x, 4x (suited or offsuit)
- Top pair: 98s, 97s, 96s
- Sets: 88, 99, 44
- Straight/Draws: T7s, 76s, J9, etc.
🟨 To Bet or Not To Bet?
Now think: Why would you bet here?
- You have A-high, no draw.
- Villain hits this board more than you.
- If you bet small (like 1.5 BB), you might fold out worse hands like:
- A5, A3, KQ, QJ, JT (overcards)
- But pairs and draws are calling, and you’re often behind.
✅ Simple strategy for beginners:
Check back and see a free turn.
This avoids:
- Building a pot when behind
- Getting check-raised off your equity
- Losing value when your hand improves on the turn (like hitting an Ace or King)
📊 Summary of BB’s Range:
🟥 Hands That Might Fold to a Bet:
- A2–A5 suited
- KQ, QJ, JT offsuit
- Some weak suited connectors like 23s, 52s, 73s (if no pair or draw)
- Low unpaired hands
🟩 Hands That Will Likely Call or Raise:
- 9x, 8x, 4x (any pair)
- 56s, 76s, T7s, J9 (gutshots, open-enders)
- 44, 88, 99 (sets)
- 98s (two pair)
- T9s, 97s (pair + draw)
💡 Final Thoughts:
- Think in ranges: Not just “I have AK,” but “I have the top of my range but missed this board.”
- Board texture matters: Low/middle boards hit the BB’s range more.
- Be selective when c-betting: Only bet when you have a real advantage — in range or fold equity.
Wanna give online poker a try? Daily FreeRolls only at PokerBet
