Narrowing Opponent Ranges
Hand reading is the process of narrowing down what hands your opponent could have based on their actions throughout the hand. You start with their full pre-flop range and eliminate hands that don't match their betting patterns.
Good hand reading isn't about pinpointing the exact two cards — it's about assigning a range of possible hands and adjusting that range as new information comes in.
Villain raises from UTG, c-bets a Q-7-2 rainbow flop, and bets again on a 3 turn. What range does this likely represent?
Each street provides new information to narrow your opponent's range. Here's how to think through each street:
What is the purpose of assigning a range to your opponent?
Scenario:
Villain raises from MP. You call on the Button with T♠ 9♠.
Pre-flop range for MP open:
22+, ATs+, KTs+, QTs+, JTs, AJo+, KQo (~18% of hands)
Flop: J♠ 8♥ 3♦ — Villain bets 2/3 pot
Their range now includes: JJ/88/33 (sets), AJ/KJ/QJ (top pair), AA-QQ (overpairs), AK (overcards bluff), some suited connectors. Remove hands that would check: small pocket pairs, KTs with no draw.
Turn: 7♠ — Villain bets 3/4 pot
This is a significant barrel. Remove most one-pair hands (QJ, KJ might check). They likely have: sets, overpairs (AA, KK, QQ), AJ (strong top pair), or a draw turned bluff. You now have an open-ender + flush draw — strong equity against their range.
River: 2♣ — Villain checks
The check is very telling. They likely don't have a set (would bet for value), and probably have a medium-strength hand like QQ, KK, or AJ that wants to see a showdown. You missed your draws but could bluff since their range is capped at one-pair hands.
Pre-Flop
Your Hand
A tight villain raises from UTG+1. You are in the cutoff with AQ suited. What is villain's likely range?
Answer all quiz questions correctly to complete this lesson and earn XP.