calculating ranges based on what?

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sketchv

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Hey, I was wondering on how we can calculate a players range by using say a stat like VPIP. Is there any guideline say 14 VPIP = 8.5 of starting hands or is there another stat I should use?
 
vinnie

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Uhm, a VPIP of 14 means 14% of starting hands. What that means will vary, although not much for a range that tight.

You look at what percentage of hands is played from each table. Then you construct a range that fits that percentage, and hands that they have shown down from that position with similar actions.

equilab's calculator tool is pretty good for this. You can add and subtract hands from it, by selecting them, until you get to the right percentage.

These are things you do off the table, but it gives you some experience knowing what sorts of hands will be in those ranges. You'll never know for sure what someone's exact range is, but you can get a pretty good idea of the types of hands that show up in certain ranges. Then use that to help you analyze how it fits certain flops.
 
vinnie

vinnie

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I have attached a sample 14% range, from the equilab. This might not represent what 14% means for a different player. This one set mines and plays broadway cards only. You need to play with it yourself. It also helps to look at someone's stats (if you review a hand) and what they have shown down and see if your constructed ranges include the hands they are showing up with.

Edit: For live play, where I don't have stats, I look at how many hands people play and the kinds of hands they show down. Then I build up mental groups of hands they are likely playing. e.g. pairs, suited connectors, suited one gaps, all ace-high hands, any two cards 10+, etc. That works also. It's just a habit. Try and place people on groups of hands, while you play, see what they show down, and compare that to what range you thought they probably had.
 

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Amanda A

Amanda A

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Don't people's ranges change at different stages of the tournament? And also based on their stack size. Are you supposed to factor this in? Thanks!
 
vinnie

vinnie

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Don't people's ranges change at different stages of the tournament? And also based on their stack size. Are you supposed to factor this in? Thanks!

Yeah. I am not a tournament player, usually, so these considerations are not typical issues for me. But, stack size does determine what hands are playable and will determine what combinations will be in various ranges. The shorter the stack, the more likely the ranges are high-rank heavy. The larger the stacks, the more likely the ranges are "implied-odds" heavy (suited connectors and such).

For the most part, in cash games, a player will maintain a similar stack size to what they are comfortable with. That means their ranges aren't really changing that much.
 
Amanda A

Amanda A

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Great! Thanks for that Vinnie.
 
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CallmeFloppy

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I like what Vinnie is laying down there and great question for a follow up Amanda. That's why it is so important to pay attention the action as a tournament progresses.
 
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