Lesson 48 [Advanced] Balanced 4-bet Range

A 4-bet range must appropriately mix value and bluff hands so opponents cannot exploit it.

Basic Strategy

A 4-bet range consists of premium value (QQ+, AK) + bluffs (A5s~A2s, KQs, some suited connectors), and maintains an approximate 2:1 value-to-bluff ratio.

Basic Assumptions

• 100BB stacks
• 6-max cash game
• Opponent 3-bet, Hero considering a 4-bet
• Opponent is a balanced player (not extreme)

Standard 4-bet Range Composition

Value 4-bet (approx. 67%):

• QQ+ (QQ, KK, AA)
• AKs, AKo

Bluff 4-bet (approx. 33%):

• Suited weak aces: A5s, A4s, A3s, A2s (blocker effect)
• Suited broadways: KQs, KJs (playability)
• Suited connectors: 98s, 87s in some situations

4-bet Sizing

• In position: 2.2~2.5x the 3-bet size
• Out of position: 2.5~3x the 3-bet size
• Example: Opponent 3-bets $30 → Hero 4-bets $70~$80 (IP), $80~$90 (OOP)

Why This is Standard

• If you only 4-bet for value, opponents will fold all hands JJ or worse, missing out on value. You need to mix in bluffs so opponents can call with TT, JJ.
• If you only 4-bet bluffs, opponents can attack with a 5-bet all-in. You need to mix in value to deter opponents' 5-bets.
• Weak aces (A5s~A2s) have an Ax blocker, blocking opponents' AK, AQ, which increases bluff efficiency.
• A 2:1 value-to-bluff ratio ensures opponents have balanced fold equity and call equity.

Exploitation Points

1. When Opponent Folds to 4-bets Too Often

Increase your bluff 4-bet frequency. Add not only weak aces but also KQo, QJs, and even suited connectors to your bluff 4-bet range. Since your opponent folds often, bluffs immediately become profitable.

2. When Opponent Calls 4-bets Too Often

Reduce bluff 4-bets and only 4-bet for value. Add JJ to your value 4-bet range if necessary, and minimize bluffs. Since your opponent calls often, value hands will be more profitable in the long run.

3. When Opponent 5-bet Shoves Often

Minimize bluff 4-bets and only 4-bet premium value (KK+, AK). Consider calling with QQ instead of 4-betting depending on the situation. Only 4-bet hands that can withstand your opponent's 5-bet all-in.

4. When Opponent is a Tight 3-bettor

Overall, reduce your 4-bet frequency and only 4-bet premium value hands. A tight opponent 3-bets only strong hands, so the fold equity of bluff 4-bets is low. It's better to call the 3-bet with JJ or worse.

Thought Framework

When facing a 3-bet, analyze in this order:

1. What is my hand? Premium value? Bluff candidate? Call candidate? Fold candidate?
2. What is the opponent's 3-bet frequency? Tight? Standard? Loose?
3. How does the opponent react to 4-bets? Folds often? Calls often? 5-bet all-in?
4. What is the position? In position? Out of position?
5. Action choice: 4-bet for value? 4-bet bluff? Call? Fold?

Example Hand Analysis

Example 1: Value 4-bet (Standard)

Game: Cash game 2/5, Stacks 200BB
Position: BTN
Preflop: Hero raises K♠ K♦ to $15 from the BTN, SB 3-bets to $50
Pot: $67

Thought Process:

1. “Who has a structural advantage on this board?”
   → Preflop, so no board. K♠ K♦ is a premium value hand (strongest after AA)
2. “What role does my hand play within my range?”
   → KK is a core hand in the 4-bet value range. Can also call opponent's 5-bet all-in
3. “Does the opponent have enough hands to fold / do they call often?”
   → Opponent's 3-bet range includes QQ+, AK, and some bluffs. Hands like TT, JJ, AQ are likely to fold to Hero's 4-bet. QQ, AK are likely to call

Conclusion: 4-bet $125 (2.5x since in position)

Comment: KK is a standard value 4-bet. If the opponent folds, you win the pot. If they call, you can play in a favorable situation postflop. This hand can call a 5-bet all-in from the opponent.

Example 2: Bluff 4-bet (Standard)

Game: Cash game 2/5, Stacks 200BB
Position: CO
Preflop: Hero raises A♠ 4♠ to $15 from the CO, BTN 3-bets to $50
Pot: $67

Thought Process:

1. “Who has a structural advantage on this board?”
   → Preflop. A♠ 4♠ is too weak for a value 4-bet, but has an Ax blocker, which increases bluff efficiency
2. “What role does my hand play within my range?”
   → A♠ 4♠ is a bluff 4-bet candidate. Holding an A♠ blocks opponent's AK, AQ (reduces combo count)
3. “Does the opponent have enough hands to fold / do they call often?”
   → BTN's 3-bet range is likely wide (late position). Hands like TT, JJ, AQ, KQs are likely to fold to a 4-bet

Conclusion: 4-bet $120 (2.4x since in position)

Comment: A♠ 4♠ is a bluff 4-bet for balance. If the opponent folds, it's an immediate profit. If they call, there's a chance to hit a flush draw or an ace on the flop. If a 5-bet all-in comes, you fold. The Ax blocker makes it less likely the opponent holds AK, increasing bluff efficiency.

Example 3: Exploiting Opponent Who Calls Often

Game: Cash game 2/5, Stacks 200BB
Position: BB
Preflop: CO raises to $15, Hero holds A♥ 5♥ in the BB, CO tends to call Hero's 3-bet of $50 often
Situation: Hero 3-bet, CO 4-bets to $140

Thought Process:

1. “Who has a structural advantage on this board?”
   → Preflop. CO 4-bet, so a strong range. Hero 3-bet bluffed with A♥ 5♥
2. “What role does my hand play within my range?”
   → A♥ 5♥ was a bluff 3-bet candidate, but now facing opponent's 4-bet. Not a value hand, so 5-bet bluff is risky
3. “Does the opponent have enough hands to fold / do they call often?”
   → Since the opponent tends to call 3-bets often, their 4-bet range is likely value-heavy. They are likely to call Hero's 5-bet or 6-bet

Conclusion: Fold

Comment: If the opponent is a player who calls 3-bets often, their 4-bet range is likely value-heavy. 5-bet bluffing with A♥ 5♥ could lead to the opponent calling or 6-betting all-in, so folding is the better option. This is a failed bluff 3-bet situation.

Example 4: Increased Bluff 4-bet (Opponent Folds Often)

Game: Cash game 2/5, Stacks 200BB
Position: BTN
Preflop: Hero raises K♠ Q♠ to $15 from the BTN, SB 3-bets to $50 (SB tends to fold to 4-bets often after 3-betting)
Pot: $67

Thought Process:

1. “Who has a structural advantage on this board?”
   → Preflop. K♠ Q♠ is typically a fold or call to a 3-bet, but the opponent folds to 4-bets often
2. “What role does my hand play within my range?”
   → K♠ Q♠ is a suited broadway. It has good playability and the potential to make a top pair or draw on the flop
3. “Does the opponent have enough hands to fold / do they call often?”
   → Since the opponent folds to 4-bets often, it's possible to exploit by increasing bluff 4-bet frequency. K♠ Q♠ can be added as a bluff 4-bet candidate

Conclusion: 4-bet $125 (Bluff 4-bet exploitation)

Comment: If the opponent folds to 4-bets often, you can expand your bluff 4-bet range. K♠ Q♠ is not typically in a bluff 4-bet range, but can be added in an exploitative situation. If the opponent folds, it's an immediate profit. If they call, it's a hand with good playability on the flop.

Key Patterns Summary

Pattern 1: Value 4-bet = QQ+, AK (67% of balanced range)

Pattern 2: Bluff 4-bet = A5s~A2s (Ax blocker), KQs, KJs (33% of balanced range)

Pattern 3: 4-bet Sizing = In position 2.2~2.5x, Out of position 2.5~3x

Pattern 4: Opponent folds to 4-bets often → Increase bluff 4-bet frequency

Pattern 5: Opponent calls 4-bets often → Only value 4-bet (reduce bluffs)

Pattern 6: Opponent 5-bet shoves often → Only 4-bet premium value (KK+, AK)

Pattern 7: Weak ace bluffs are highly efficient due to Ax blocker effect

Pattern 8: Maintain 2:1 value-to-bluff ratio (for balance)

Quiz

Question 1
What is the standard 4-bet value range?

• A) JJ+, AK
• B) QQ+, AK
• C) KK+, AK
• D) AA only

Question 2
Why 4-bet bluff with A5s?

• A) Because it's a strong value hand
• B) It has an Ax blocker, blocking opponent's AK, AQ
• C) It always makes a strong hand on the flop
• D) Opponent always folds

Question 3
Your opponent tends to call 4-bets often. What is the correct adjustment?

• A) Increase bluff 4-bet frequency
• B) Decrease bluff 4-bets, only value 4-bet
• C) Never 4-bet
• D) 4-bet all hands

Question 4
In position, your opponent 3-bet to $30. What is an appropriate 4-bet size?

• A) $50 (approx. 1.7x)
• B) $70~$75 (approx. 2.3~2.5x)
• C) $100 (approx. 3.3x)
• D) All-in

Question 5
In a balanced 4-bet range, what is the value-to-bluff ratio?

• A) 1:1 (50% value, 50% bluff)
• B) 2:1 (67% value, 33% bluff)
• C) 3:1 (75% value, 25% bluff)
• D) No bluffs included

Answers and Explanations

Question 1
Answer: B) QQ+, AK

Explanation: The standard 4-bet value range is QQ+, AK. JJ is typically a call to a 3-bet, and 4-betting it makes it difficult to respond to an opponent's 5-bet all-in. Only 4-betting KK+, AK would be too tight and unbalance your range.

Question 2
Answer: B) It has an Ax blocker, blocking opponent's AK, AQ

Explanation: A5s is a weak hand, but holding an A♠ reduces the probability of the opponent holding AK or AQ (blocker effect). This is why it increases bluff 4-bet efficiency. Additionally, it has playability on the flop if a flush draw or an ace appears.

Question 3
Answer: B) Decrease bluff 4-bets, only value 4-bet

Explanation: If the opponent calls 4-bets often, the fold equity of bluff 4-bets is low, so you should reduce bluffs. Only 4-bet value hands, and if necessary, you can add JJ to your value 4-bet range. Bluff 4-bets will be unprofitable in the long run if the opponent calls.

Question 4
Answer: B) $70~$75 (approx. 2.3~2.5x)

Explanation: In position, the standard 4-bet size is 2.2~2.5x the 3-bet. For a $30 3-bet, $70~$75 is appropriate. If it's too small, the opponent can easily call. If it's too large, you risk unnecessarily many chips.

Question 5
Answer: B) 2:1 (67% value, 33% bluff)

Explanation: A balanced 4-bet range has an approximate 2:1 value-to-bluff ratio. This means about 67% value and 33% bluffs. This ratio ensures opponents have balanced fold equity and call equity, preventing exploitation.