Merged vs polarized ranges: when to bet medium hands
When you bet, your betting range can be polarized or merged:
- Polarized: very strong hands and bluffs — no medium hands. Usually with big bets. See polarized ranges.
- Merged (or linear): strong hands plus good medium hands — few pure bluffs. Usually with small to medium bets.
When a merged range works best
Section titled “When a merged range works best”- Against calling stations who call with worse pairs: bet your strong and medium hands for value. See calling stations and thin value.
- On dry boards where many worse hands can call a small bet.
- Preflop 3-betting against loose openers: 3-bet a linear range of good hands (e.g. 10-10+, A-J+, K-Q) rather than only premiums and bluffs.
When polarizing is better
Section titled “When polarizing is better”- Against thinking players who fold medium hands to big bets.
- On the river, where medium hands often prefer to check for showdown value. See showdown value.
- When you hold good blockers for bluffs. See blockers.
Sizing
Section titled “Sizing”| Range type | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Merged | 1/4 to 1/2 pot — worse hands call |
| Polarized | 3/4 pot to overbets — maximum pressure |
See bet sizing.
Simple example
Section titled “Simple example”River on K-8-4-2-3, you hold K-10 against a player who calls with any pair. A merged small bet gets called by 8-x, 4-x and weaker kings. A big polarized bet would only get called by better hands. Bet small.
See also hand ranges and value betting.
What is a merged range in poker?
Section titled “What is a merged range in poker?”A betting range of strong and good medium hands with few pure bluffs, usually with small to medium bets.
What is the difference between merged and polarized?
Section titled “What is the difference between merged and polarized?”Polarized ranges contain very strong hands and bluffs; merged ranges include medium hands too.
When should I use a merged betting range?
Section titled “When should I use a merged betting range?”Against calling stations, on dry boards and when 3-betting loose openers.
What bet size goes with a merged range?
Section titled “What bet size goes with a merged range?”Usually small to medium, about 1/4 to 1/2 pot.