Building a coherent hand range is the first step toward structured play. A range removes emotional decisions and creates long-term consistency.
Why Have a Defined Range?
Playing without a predefined range leads to inconsistent decisions: you play some hands differently based on mood or results. A range creates discipline.
A Simplified Starting Range (6-max)
Here’s a conservative and profitable range to start with:
UTG: A♠A♥, K♠K♥, Q♠Q♥, J♠J♥, 10♠10♥, A♠K♠, A♠Q♠, A♠J♠, K♠Q♠, A♠K♥, A♠Q♥
MP: add 9♠9♥, 8♠8♥, A♠10♠, K♠J♠, Q♠J♠, J♠10♠, A♠J♥
CO: add 7♠7♥, 6♠6♥, A♠9♠-A♠2♠, K♠10♠, Q♠10♠, 10♠9♠, 98s, K♠Q♥
BTN: open very wide, add 55-22, all suited broadways, suited connectors
SB: between CO and BTN depending on BB tendencies
Four Properties of a Good Range
Consistency: same hands played the same way in the same situations
Balance: both value and bluffs present in your opening ranges
Position adaptation: wider in late position
Flexibility: adjust for specific opponents
How to Memorize Your Range
Start by memorizing your UTG range (the most restrictive). Mentally widen at each position step. After a few sessions, it becomes automatic.
Tools like Flopzilla or PokerCoaching range charts help you visualize and practice your ranges.
💡 No need for Flopzilla — build and visualize your opening ranges by position directly in our interactive range editor (13×13 grid). The 4 presets UTG / HJ / CO / BTN are pre-loaded and match the percentages from this guide (~10% / ~15% / ~25% / ~38%).
