Polarized vs Linear Ranges

Understanding range construction is key to advanced poker strategy.

Polarized Ranges

A polarized range contains very strong hands and bluffs, with few medium-strength hands.

**When to use**: When you want to bet large or raise

**Example 3-betting range**: AA-KK (value) + A2s-A5s (bluffs)

**Advantage**: Makes opponent's decisions difficult — they face either a monster or a bluff

Linear Ranges

A linear range contains hands ranked by strength, from strongest to weakest.

**When to use**: When opening preflop or betting for thin value

**Example opening range**: AA, KK, QQ, AK, JJ, TT, AQ, 99, AJs, ...

**Advantage**: Every hand in the range has value, making the range robust against aggression

When to Use Each

**3-betting**: Polarized against late position opens, linear against early position opens

**Postflop betting**: Polarized for large bets, linear for small-medium bets

**River play**: Polarized ranges with clear value/bluff distinction

GTO Perspective

Solvers use a mix of both. On some board textures, the optimal strategy involves a linear c-betting range. On others, it uses a polarized approach. Understanding when each is appropriate is what separates good players from great ones.