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Poker Glossary

Polarized Range

A polarized range is a betting range made up of strong value hands and bluffs, with medium-strength hands checked. Big bets and overbets should be polarized so the bluffs are backed by real value.

Polarization is what makes large bets credible. If you only bet big with value, observant opponents fold everything; if you only bluff, they call everything. Mixing the two — value plus a correct fraction of bluffs — makes the opponent indifferent between calling and folding their bluff-catchers.

The opposite is a linear (or merged) range, which bets a band of strong-to-medium hands for a smaller size. Rule of thumb: bet small and linear when you have range advantage but not nut advantage; bet big and polarized when you also hold the nuts more often.

Worked example

On the river you bet pot with a range of nut straights and sets (value) plus missed flush draws (bluffs), and you check your medium pairs. A pot-sized bet mixes roughly one bluff for every two value hands so the opponent’s bluff-catchers break even.

FAQ

When should you use a polarized range?

When you use big bets or overbets and hold a nut advantage. Polarize so your bluffs are credible; use a smaller linear range when you only have range advantage.

What is the opposite of a polarized range?

A linear or merged range — betting a continuous band of strong-to-medium hands for a smaller size, typically when you have range advantage but not nut advantage.

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