Learning Position-Based Ranges (Without Going Full GTO) – Advice Needed
Hey guys, looking for some advice on the best way to properly learn hand ranges by position without going too deep into solver/GTO territory.
I’m mainly trying to build a strong practical understanding of:
Opening ranges by position
Blind defence
3-bet/call/fold spots
How ranges should adjust for stack depth and player tendencies
I learn better through structure and repetition rather than just memorising charts, so I’m looking for ways to actually understand why certain hands belong in ranges instead of just copying preflop charts blindly.
I’ve recently satellited into two events at the PartyPoker Tour Manchester:
Mini Main Event (£150)
Main Event (£500)
This will be my first live event series, so I’m trying to spend the next few weeks building solid fundamentals and avoiding major leaks before I play.
Any advice on study methods, drills, software, videos, forum posts, or training content that helped you really understand ranges would be appreciated.
3 Replies
Hey Cav, welcome
Invest some cents in at least a one month subscription to a GTO chart iPhone app (I’m not going to spruik any particular one) and start making notes on how ranges change by position and effective bb. Adopt a reasonable open, flat, 3bet, and raise/call range based on what you find.
Seriously you can learn a basic framework in an hour if you study effectively.
Either that or invest in a coach if you have time - see coaching forum on 2+2 - and ask them every question you can. Coaching is absurdly good value for the first few lessons in particular.
Don’t kill yourself trying to rote learn charts at this stage. You are not going to live or die based on whether Q9 or QT is playable in a spot.
I think even if you don't purely memorize charts (and given how much ICM and uneven stacks start to tilt things once you get past chip EV, it's probably not possible to for every situation), it's good to study them, because studying them will give you an idea of the general shape of the ranges for opening at various positions and depths (or for 3-betting or calling raises, too, of course).
And once you start noticing the similarities and patterns that emerge, you can then start to think about (or ask) why those patterns emerge, what the theory and concepts are behind them. I do think it's more important to understand the theory and concepts than to just rely on rote memorization of charts, but looking at the chart outputs is also a good way to start considering the theory and the concepts.
check out the free preflop charts on pokercoaching.com (Jonathan Little's site). They go through the different ranges by position and also defense of three-bets and when to three-bet pre. Those are good building blocks for free. Good luck out there!
