Hi guys, this is my first post here at 2+2.

I play NL4 6 max. I have a general question about 3bets. When a TAG 3bets my open raise with postion on me I often get really confused when holding hands like 66-99, KJs, KQ, A-10s, AJ, AQ, 9-10s,10-Js, QJs.

For example, I am on CO, and raise 3xbb with one of the above mentioned hands and the TAG on BU 3bets to 10xbb. I suspect that his range is roughly either as good as these hands or better. I would really like to understand the math behind a desition in that spot. With the blinds I then get 48% in pot odds to call (if I counted correctly). In a range calculation I get 43% and TAG gets 57%. And if I call the TAG of course has the initiative.

When oop in this situation, 4-bet, call or fold?

If 4-bet or call, whats your thoughts on the upcoming flop?

Thanks for your thoughts!

66-99 can usually call to setmine.

AQo usually wants to 4bet as a bluff, but can call sometimes.

KQo is usually folded, or sometimes 4bet as a bluff at a low frequency.

AQs/AJs/KQs usually call. These hands are strong enough to play a pot OOP, but don't usually wanna stack off preflop.

KJs/KTs/ATs are usually 4bet bluffed, sometimes called.

QJs-T9s usually call, sometimes 4bet bluff.

98s-54s generally fold, but can call at some frequency.
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These are just my observations from looking at many solved preflop charts. If BTN is only 3betting with something nitty like (JJ+, AK+) then ignore all of this and only play premiums.

I recommend checking out the free charts over at Zenith Poker. You just need to make an account to view them.

you're not just setmining with 66-99, you're also protecting your calling range on dry low flops where you wouldn't otherwise have enough pairs to defend

but yes +1 on using a preflop chart here (i haven't seen zenith poker's but i'm sure it will be good enough!)

At something like NL4 you would also adjust and call all your suited aces, as for me these over realise on later streets (not so the likes of Q10 etc which have reverse implied odds).

Michael Acevedo defines all of these ranges as GTO solvers play them at equilibrium in his excellent book Modern Poker Theory, which I highly recommend. It's necessary of course to make exploitative adjustments (as others have said above - if villain is only 3betting premiums then you just want to 4bet or call with your premiums back. If they are 3betting very wide then you absolutely have to punish them with 4bets in return).

In the old days, many players would only 4bet or fold when facing a 3bet and being OOP, and there is something to be said for that - although as I wiil detail below, at equilibrium there is a decent calling range.

Also - it of course makes a huge difference that you are OOP - you can call much wider with position, and you should be more inclined to 4bet and bring down the SPR (to decrease your positional disadvantage - for example so you can get the money in on two streets) when out of position. Also, the button and the big blind have significantly more polarized 3betting ranges at equlibrium (as they have flatting ranges) so you should be more inclined to at least call or 4bet them when they 3bet your open.

Lojack vs. Hijack 3bet:

Always 4Bet: AA, KK, AKs.
Usually 4Bet: QQ, JJ, AKo, AJs, KQs, KJs.
Sometimes 4Bet: ATs, A5s, AQo, 99, TT (ATs, AQo and A5s are otherwise usually folds, TT and 99 are borderline and can be called or folded).

The calling range includes some of the above at some frequency, and altogether is:

AQs, AJs, ATs, A5s, AKo, KJs, QQ, JJ, TT, 99, and a small amount of 88-66, usually these small pairs and those below should be folded. Also, suited connectors are calls but N.b. they should only be opened in the Lojack at a small frequency.

So - that's the tightest response to a 3bet - of course it is different vs. the blinds and those situations are more common, but you asked about playing OOP specifically. If instead it's C/O vs. button then it looks like this:

Always 4Bet: AA, KK, QQ, JJ, AKs, AKo, AQo,
Usually 4Bet: KJs, KTs, TT.
Sometimes 4Bet: ATs, QJs, 99,88, AJo, A9s, A5s, KQo.

Call: AQs, AJs, ATs, A9s, A5s QTs, JTs, KQs, KJs, T9s, QJs, KTs and K9s at some frequency, 88,77,33,22 66-44 at some frequency, and all suited connectors.

This may seem quite wide but it assumes that the button is 3betting at the GTO frequency - as mentioned, if you are playing against a nit then of course 4bet/call much tighter. But - it should be noted that these are the equilibrium ranges, and if you play them (and play postflop correctly) then you are unexploitable.

Good luck!

T

I didn't realise it was possible to add images to posts. This should make it easier - note that the grey sections are folds.

T

https://prnt.sc/ur51iq

https://prnt.sc/ur51ys

Hey man,
much value in this post thank you for that.
Are in this book any solved preflop charts or did you made them urself using a solver?
Cheers

You're welcome mate. This is all Michael Acevedo's work using multiple solvers (with a team) and performing millions of simulations. His book contains ranges for both 6max cash and tournaments, as well a wealth of brilliant theoretical knowledge that is very clearly explained and excellently written. I've read dozens of poker books and it is without doubt the best by a large margin. Many books will preach at you how to play, but not explain why or what the theory is etc. Acevedo goes deep into the theory and explains it with clarity - it has completely transformed my game. Johnathan Little claims that Michael Acevedo has 'solved hold'em' - and it's hard to disagree.

Cheers,

T