Minimum Defense Frequency in Poker: When to Defend and When to Fold
Short Answer
MDF is the minimum portion of your range that must continue against a bet to prevent pure bluffs from automatically profiting. Real decisions still need range advantage, blockers, rake, position, and opponent bluff frequency.
Basic Formula
MDF is approximately pot size divided by pot size plus bet size. Larger bets require you to defend less often. Smaller bets require more defense.
How To Use It
MDF is not a command to call a fixed percentage. It identifies over-folding. If you face half-pot bets and continue only your strongest 20%, opponents can theoretically bluff too profitably.
When You Can Defend Below MDF
You can defend below MDF when opponents under-bluff, their range is very strong, rake is high, or your available hands realize poorly. A GTO baseline is not the limit of exploitative adjustment.
Decision Steps
- Estimate MDF from bet size.
- Choose the best continuing hands from your range.
- Prioritize hands with blockers, showdown value, or raise potential.
- Deviate based on opponent bluff frequency.