Using Equity vs Hand Range to determine action

#1 6th October 2010, 7:28 PM

Is Equity vs. Range mainly used for All-in scenarios or can it be used to determine course of action say, preflop when facing a 3bet or how to make a 3bet?

For example, if I hold QQ and am pretty certain my opponent who just 3bet only does so with AA/ KK/ AK then according to Pokerstove I would have approx 40% equity against that range. Does that mean since I have less than 50% I just fold or does the 40% mean I can flat and evaluate the flop?

Also, when you are in position and you wish to determine a 3-betting range do you need 50%+ equity against their range to 3bet or do you need to 1st determine how much they fold vs a 3bet and then determine which part of their range they call with and then determine equity vs that range?

I am brand new to Pokerstove and looking for guidance.

Thanks

#2 6th October 2010, 7:46 PM

It depends.

First of all, it's hard to believe someone only has 3-bet range of KK+/AK, I mean if you have a good sample on them and their 3-bet % is like 2.5 ok.

But it depends on position, game flow, how much money is already in the pot, and the action so far.

In position you should be 3-betting for value with a range that has great equity against their opening range (again, based on stats, position, reads) and 3-bet bluffing (with hands that still have some equity against their continuing range) when they have a weak range (let's say you are BTN and they are CO and have a high steal %) and fold too much to 3-bets.

#3 6th October 2010, 7:58 PM

You need to take the money in the pot into consideration as well.

So if you hold QQ and your opponent only 3bets with KK+/AK you can still call/shove if you're pot odds dictate that you only need 40% equity.

Easiest way to figure out how much equity you need to call a shove is (amount to call / amount to call + amount in pot). So if your opponent opens for 3bbs and you 3bet to 10 bbs and he shoves for 100bbs you shouldn't call with QQ assuming his range is on KK+/AK because 90bbs (amount to call) / 110bbs (amount in pot) + 90bbs (amount to call) = 90/200 = .45 or 45%. So since QQ has ~40% against his range you should fold. Now if he only has say 35bbs to start the hand you should call because you only need about 35% equity for the call to be profitable and we have 40%.

I would recommend Poker Math That Matters as a nice poker math introduction. Knowing this stuff will help you.

Just reread your OP and realized you're not talking about an AI situation. You can't really use Stove's equity the we you're thinking unless you're AI because it gives your equity if you see all remaining cards. So when/if you'd ever consider flatting a 3bet to set-mine you should be concerned with things like remaining stack sizes and how likely an opponent is to stack post flop but not having 40% equity if All-in.

#4 6th October 2010, 8:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baudib1

It depends.

First of all, it's hard to believe someone only has 3-bet range of KK+/AK, I mean if you have a good sample on them and their 3-bet % is like 2.5 ok.

But it depends on position, game flow, how much money is already in the pot, and the action so far.

In position you should be 3-betting for value with a range that has great equity against their opening range (again, based on stats, position, reads) and 3-bet bluffing (with hands that still have some equity against their continuing range) when they have a weak range (let's say you are BTN and they are CO and have a high steal %) and fold too much to 3-bets.

At 5NL most villains are 3betting very narrowly. A 3 bet range of 2-3% is not uncommon. You do run into some who have discovere light 3-betting who run around 6-7%. I shove my QQ against these guys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WVHillbilly

You need to take the money in the pot into consideration as well.

So if you hold QQ and your opponent only 3bets with KK+/AK you can still call/shove if you're pot odds dictate that you only need 40% equity.

Easiest way to figure out how much equity you need to call a shove is (amount to call / amount to call + amount in pot). So if your opponent opens for 3bbs and you 3bet to 10 bbs and he shoves for 100bbs you shouldn't call with QQ assuming his range is on KK+/AK because 90bbs (amount to call) / 110bbs (amount in pot) + 90bbs (amount to call) = 90/200 = .45 or 45%. So since QQ has ~40% against his range you should fold. Now if he only has say 35bbs to start the hand you should call because you only need about 35% equity for the call to be profitable and we have 40%.

I would recommend Poker Math That Matters as a nice poker math introduction. Knowing this stuff will help you.

Just reread your OP and realized you're not talking about an AI situation. You can't really use Stove's equity the we you're thinking unless you're AI because it gives your equity if you see all remaining cards. So when/if you'd ever consider flatting a 3bet to set-mine you should be concerned with things like remaining stack sizes and how likely an opponent is to stack post flop but not having 40% equity if All-in.

First of all, sorry for my rants the other day. It was a descent into darkness. I was literally crazy from poker but after posting all that stuff I felt like a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders and I know feel right in my head when I'm playing again.

2nd, thanks again for the excellent responses. I am looking into the Poker Math that matters. Are there any other good books that deal with playing the micros that talks about SPR, equity, etc.? I feel like the Sklansky, Miller/ Mehta books are talking about a type of Poker that I may never see.

Thanks
fx

#5 6th October 2010, 8:34 PM

Well Poker Math That Matters isn't really a how to play type of book. It's more fundamentals of math related to poker than it is poker, but without that foundation none of the other stuff makes sense.

As for other books I really like Professional No-Limit Holdem as a decent starter cash game text. Lots (maybe too much) of SPR and the real building blocks for playing NL cash can be found there.

Apology accepted but you really need to get over yourself and set your ego aside if you ever really want to beat this game. You're WAY too wrapped up in small samples and bad beats to ever really win. Put it this way losing 5BIs shouldn't ruin your day any more than winning 5BIs should make it. Knowing that you're making the right play for long-term success is the ONLY thing that matters. Changing from a proven successful style because you've recently lost money with say AK is just ludicrous. Making the right decisions repeatedly is the way to be successful at poker and until you do that you can't win.

#6 6th October 2010, 9:41 PM

post more hands and remember that results don't matter.

#7 7th October 2010, 12:51 AM

I'm glad you've had a change of heart and I wish the best of luck. Keep posting, keep asking questions and keep learning.

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