A preflop range tells you how much of each hand a player still has at that point in the game tree, as a share of its combos. A preflop strategy chart tells you how often to take each action with each hand.

Example: AQs at 8max 20bb MTT

8max 20bb MTT, UTG opens. BTN either flats AQs 42% of the time or goes all in with it 58% of the time. Here BTN flats, so they have 42% of the max possible AQs combos.

BB goes all in, UTG folds. Action on BTN:

  • The range: BTN's calling range for AQs is 42% (as they don't have all possible combos of AQs, as they would have gone all in with AQs 58% of the time vs the UTG open)
  • The strategy chart: Call 100% for AQs as in this spot at this moment, whenever BTN has AQs they should call (for all combos of AQs that BTN has, they should be called at 100% frequency).

Both numbers are right. The range says how much AQs BTN can have at this spot. The chart says what to do with it. You can see the full spot in the 8max MTT 20bb preflop charts.

Preflop strategy chart and preflop range for the same spot in the RangeConverter Range Viewer: AQs calls 100% in the chart, and the BTN call range reads 11.05%

Preflop ranges vs preflop strategy charts

Preflop ranges are useful for both preflop and postflop work in PioSOLVER, whereas preflop charts are used for preflop strategy advice only. See on our blog how to download and view preflop solutions.

You can also take a range straight from the Range Viewer: the copy icon on a range grid puts it on your clipboard as solver text, ready to paste into your own solver.

Viewing ranges and charts in the Range Viewer

The RangeConverter online Range Viewer shows both at once: the strategy chart in the main grid, and both players' ranges in the Ranges panel beside it (see details: Range Reg and Range Pro). You don't need any GTO poker solver to study opening ranges or 3bet range charts. The Range Viewer tutorial shows how to read both.

For more background on ranges in general, check out this guide to poker ranges and hand reading.

See a strategy chart and both players' ranges for yourself. Confirm your email and free preflop sims open in the Range Viewer, across all five game types.

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FAQ

What is the difference between a preflop range and a preflop chart?

A preflop range shows how much of each hand a player still has at a point in the hand. A preflop strategy chart shows how often to take each action with each hand. The range describes what a player holds. The chart says what to do with it.

What does Call 100% on a preflop chart mean?

Every combo of that hand the player still has at that spot should call. It does not mean the player holds every combo of the hand: earlier decisions may already have sent some combos down another line.

Why can a hand be 100% in the chart but only 42% in the range?

Because an earlier decision split the hand. At 8max 20bb MTT, BTN goes all in with AQs 58% of the time against a UTG open and flats 42%. Only the flatted combos reach the spot after BB goes all in, and all of them call.

Do I need a solver to study preflop ranges and charts?

No. The RangeConverter Range Viewer shows the strategy chart and both players' ranges for the spot you are looking at, online.

Can I use RangeConverter preflop ranges in PioSOLVER?

Yes, two ways. Copy a range from the Range Viewer as solver text and paste it into your solver. Or buy the range files for a sim: Hold'em cash, MTT and Spins sims come as MonkerViewer ranges, PioSOLVER ranges and PioSOLVER charts. The guide "How to download and view preflop solutions" explains how to load them.

Can I view preflop ranges and charts for free?

Yes. A free account with a confirmed email gets free preflop sims for several game types, in the Range Viewer and the GTO Poker Trainer.

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