In the realm of poker, particularly in No Limit Texas Hold’em, understanding various strategies and their implications can significantly enhance your performance and increase your win rate. One such strategic concept is “3-betting,” which simply refers to making a third bet in a sequence after a raise (the second bet/raise). However, the way this strategy is executed can vary, leading us to distinguish between “polarised” and “linear” 3-betting. Each approach has its merits and strategic use cases, which we’ll explore in this article.

What is 3-Betting?

Before we dive into the nuances of polarised and linear 3-betting, let’s define what a 3-bet actually is. In poker, after the initial bet (the first bet), a raise is the second action (the second bet). A 3-bet is then a re-raise that follows this raise. The term originated in fixed-limit games but has been widely adopted in no-limit games. A 3-bet is typically used to increase the stakes of the current hand, putting more pressure on opponents.

Polarised 3-Betting

A polarized 3-betting range consists of a mix of very strong hands and speculative hands. This range is designed to be “polarised” between the two extremes:

• High-end hands such as AA, KK, QQ, and AK. These are hands that you are almost always happy to play in a big pot and are clear favourites against most of the hands in your opponent’s range.

• Speculative hands such as suited connectors (like 76s or 98s), lower pairs, or even high-lower combinations like A5s. These hands can potentially hit very strong boards and are chosen for their ability to become strong hands post-flop.

The strategic advantage of a polarised range is that it makes it difficult to play against. Your opponents cannot easily predict whether you’re holding a monster or a weaker, speculative hand, which adds a layer of complexity to their decision-making process.

Linear 3-Betting

On the other hand, a linear 3-betting range includes a continuum of hands that are strong enough to play for an increase in stakes. This can often include:

• Top hands like AA, KK, QQ, JJ, and AK.
• Slightly weaker but still strong hands such as AQ, AJa , ATs , KQ ,QJs JTs and sometimes pairs down to 88

The idea behind a linear 3-betting strategy is to simplify your decision-making process. You are generally 3-betting with hands that are strong and can stand against a call or a further raise. Linear 3-betting can often be more transparent about the strength of your hand, but it also reduces situations where you might be 3-betting with hands that don’t perform well in large pots.

Strategic Considerations

Table Dynamics: Polarised ranges are more effective in games where opponents are capable of folding significant hands, allowing you to leverage the uncertainty of your range for profit. If also is preferred when the stack depth is 100bbs or less. In contrast, linear ranges might be more successful in lower-stakes games or against opponents who call too frequently, as you consistently enter pots with a strong hand.it It is also preferred in deeper stack games.

Position: Position plays a crucial role in deciding which strategy to employ. From later positions, you can opt for a polarised approach since you have more information about the actions of your opponents. Conversely, in early positions, a linear range might be safer and more practical, as you will be out of position postflop if called and prefer to play the hand vs less opponents with position and initiative.

Adjusting to Opponents: Your choice between polarised and linear 3-betting should also consider opponent tendencies. Against aggressive players who often 4-bet, a linear strategy with stronger hands might reduce variance as you can continue on with most hands vs folding with the bottom part of a polarised range. Against passive or tight players, a polarised strategy can exploit their tendency to fold too often to aggression, simply you are able 3 bet them with junk and they over fold too often before the flop or on the flop.

Conclusion

In poker, the choice between a polarised and a linear 3-betting strategy can greatly influence your success at the table. Both strategies have their time and place, depending on game dynamics, opponent behaviour, and your position. Mastery of when to apply each can create a significant edge over your opponents, making your play both profitable and dynamic.

If you are looking to learn how to crush live poker. Get 20% off your subscription when you sign up using this link.