Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 52
There are a few fundamental reasons for the differences in the charts, but all the reasons have the same cause: they are based on certain assumptions that the chart creator makes.
For example, some charts are based on a single person's database. If my opponents usually open wide against me, my database will reflect that fact and prompt me to create charts with wider defend ranges. Other charts are based on large player groups but in specific pools, such as several hundred microstakes cash game players on Pokerstars, or perhaps on 300 MTT players on ACR. These differences affect the results.
Chart creators have different assumptions about their readers' skill levels post flop: if the chart is for very new or very weak players, the charts will show a tighter defense range because the users are less capable of realizing their equity post flop. If the chart is for strong aggressive players who can outplay their opponents post flop out of position, the ranges will be wider.
As a general principle, you should realize that you will lose the most money from the blinds. The reason is simple: when you play out of position, you will find it hard to realize your equity with strong hands and to bluff with weak ones. You can significantly simplify your game by defending a tight range in the blinds. You will give up some preflop equity, but you will avoid more difficult (and potentially costly) postflop situations.