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Your 4-bet range should be polarized. Learn how to properly balance value (AA, KK) with bluffs (A5s, A4s).
If you only 4-bet with AA and KK when facing a 3-bet, your opponents will read your 4-bets easily. When "4-bet = always premium," they'll fold 99% of the time, and you'll win nothing.
| Hand | Strategy | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| AA | Always 4-bet | The strongest hand. Stack off against 5-bets |
| KK | Always 4-bet | Second best. Profitable even when called |
| Situational | vs wide 3-bet → 4-bet, vs tight 3-bet → call | |
| AKs | Situational | Calling IP is fine, prefer 4-betting OOP |
| Hand | Why It's a Good Bluff |
|---|---|
| A5s–A3s | Ace blocker + suited + easy fold to 5-bet |
| A2s | Good blocker effect but low equity → situational |
| Situation | Size | Example |
|---|---|---|
| IP | ≈2.3x the 3-bet | 3-bet 12bb → 4-bet ≈27bb |
| OOP | ≈2.5x the 3-bet | 3-bet 12bb → 4-bet ≈30bb |
Pot (after Hero's 4-bet, before Villain's decision): SB 2 + BB 5 + Hero 90 + Villain 38 = $135
A♠4♠ = bluff 4-bet
A♠ blocker: Villain's AA combos 6→3, AK 16→12, AQ 16→12
If Villain folds → Hero wins $45 (blinds $7 + Villain's 3-bet $38), uncalled $52 returned
If Villain 5-bet shoves: A4s vs typical 5-bet range (AA/KK/AKs) ≈30% equity — insufficient for required equity at 100bb (≈41%) → Fold
| Opponent Type | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Wide 3-bettor (LAG) | Increase 4-bet bluff frequency, QQ can be a value 4-bet |
| Tight 3-bettor (NIT) | Reduce bluff 4-bets, only value 4-bet AA/KK |
| Folds often to 4-bets | Maximize bluff 4-bets (all suited aces) |
| Rarely folds to 4-bets | Abandon bluff 4-bets, only 4-bet for value |
Source: Upswing Poker, GTO Wizard Blog
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