4Bet Equities

It has been demonstrated before that middling pairs (6-6 – 9-9) and low suited aces (A-2s – A-5s) are the best hands to 4bet semibluff with, as they perform best against typical 4bet calling ranges. These hands also don’t perform well against most players 3bet ranges. So unlike a hand like A-Q, which does perform well against most players 3bet ranges, we aren’t giving up equity in a pot we would otherwise have by 4betting.

Since our opponents calling range affects our equity, here is something helpful for helping to decide which hands to 4bet.

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With A-xs...

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Hand 0: 26.286% { A5s - A2s }
Hand 1: 73.714% { KK+ }

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Hand 0: 28.837% { A5s - A2s }
Hand 1: 71.163% { KK+, AKs, AKo }

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Hand 0: 29.746% { A5s - A2s }
Hand 1: 70.254% { QQ+, AKs, AKo }

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With a middling pair...

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Hand 0: 19.523% { 99 - 66 }
Hand 1: 80.477% { KK+ }

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Hand 0: 39.405% { 99 - 66 }
Hand 1: 60.595% { KK+, AKs, AKo }

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Hand 0: 35.817% { 99 - 66 }
Hand 1: 64.183% { QQ+, AKs, AKo }

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(i decided to edit the Pokerstove equities to represent the entire range, instead of one hand within that range after i had 'stoved' it. So the difference in actual equities for the ranges may be 0.25-0.75%)

Basically, if your opponent is going to be calling a 4bet with a very tight range (K-K+), then A-xs is the better hand to 4bet with. If your opponent is willing to get all in with a wider range, then middling pairs are the better choice.

The wider your opponents 4bet calling range becomes, neither middling pairs/A-xs become better to 4bet semibluff with. A 4bet calling range of (10-10+, A-Ks, A-Ko) is the best balanced range, as neither middling pairs/A-xs has significantly better equity.

Remember, your opponent needs to be 3betting often enough that you have a reason to 4bet. If his 3betting range is pretty tight, then 4betting light is a very costly mistake. Also remember that if your image is such that you feel you are going to get your 4bets looked up light, then you should not be 4betting these hands.

As stacks approach 150BB's, you can start to 4bet/fold. 2.5x the 3bet size raise seems to be standard amongst good players. Hands like A-9o/J-7o are great candidates for 4bet/fold hands, as they also do not play well in reraised pots.

For those who play in the very aggressive games, here are some additional equities.

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Hand 0: 68.591% { TT+, AKs, AKo }
Hand 1: 31.409% { 99 - 66 }

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Hand 0: 33.308% { 99 - 66 }
Hand 1: 66.692% { JJ+, AKs, AKo }

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Hand 0: 69.254% { TT+, AKs, AKo }
Hand 1: 30.746% { A5s - A2s }

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Hand 0: 30.329% { A5s - A2s }
Hand 1: 69.671% { JJ+, AKs, AKo }