Combo counting reveals why some hands are better bluffs or value bets. Master the math behind ranges.
Counting hand combinations is a mathematical skill that sharpens every poker decision. It reveals why some hands are better bluffs or value bets than others.
Why Count Combos?
Not all hands are equally probable. A♠A♥ has only 6 combinations while AK has 16. This affects how often your opponent can hold specific hands.
Number of Combinations by Hand Type
Pair (e.g., A♠A♥): 6 combinations
Suited hand (e.g., A♠K♠): 4 combinations
Offsuit hand (e.g., A♠K♥): 12 combinations
Total AK: 16 combinations (4 suited + 12 offsuit)
Impact of Board Cards
When cards appear on the board, they reduce possible combinations. If there’s an ace on the board, A♠A♥ drops from 6 to 3 combos.
Practical Use
On a river after a board A♠K♥J♦10♣, if you think the opponent either has a set or a busted draw, count the combos of each to estimate bluff frequency.
Tool for Learning
Flopzilla and Equilab let you visualize and count combinations quickly. Practice until combo counting becomes instinctive.
Critère
Number of combos
Examples + application
Pair (pocket pair)
6 combos
AA, KK, 77, 22 — all pocket pairs = 6 combos each
Suited hand
4 combos
AKs, T9s, A5s — 1 combo per suit (♠ ♥ ♦ ♣)
Offsuit hand
12 combos
AKo, JTo, 87o — 4 cards × 3 cards of other suits
Full hand (all combinations)
16 combos
AK total, KQ total — 4 suited + 12 offsuit
Specific two pair (paired board)
1-2 combos
KK on K-7-2 — very rare in absolute terms
Sets on board
3 combos
77 on K-7-2 — 3 cards left for 77
The reference cheat-sheet to memorize. Knowing these numbers lets you instantly estimate the probability of any opponent hand — the foundation of rigorous range reading.
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À retenir
1AA = 6 combos, suited hand = 4, offsuit = 12. Not all hands are equally probable.
2Board cards reduce combos: an ace on board cuts AA from 6 to 3 combos.
3Use Flopzilla/Equilab to practice until combo counting becomes automatic.
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