The Official Red Chip Poker Podcast

You’re Misusing Polarization In Poker (Here’s The Fix) · S7E14

Jul 8, 2025
Dive into the intriguing concept of pseudo-polarization in poker, which redefines traditional hand ranges on the flop. Discover why mid-strength hands are included in ranges and how blindly adhering to bluff/value combos can lead to mistakes. Learn to craft flop-raising strategies that resist exploitation, even if they seem non-traditional. This thought-provoking discussion challenges your understanding of poker strategy, moving you beyond vague terms to grasp the nuances that can elevate your game.
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INSIGHT

Classic Polarization Explained

  • Polarization in poker means betting only your strongest value hands and your absolute worst bluffs, typically on the river.
  • Middle-strength hands generally never bet, as the range is split into two diametrically opposed camps.
INSIGHT

Polarization Limits on Earlier Streets

  • Classic polarization doesn't apply well to flop or turn play because many mid-strength hands raise.
  • The worst hands in the range usually fold rather than bluff raise on earlier streets.
ADVICE

Beware Fixed Bluff Ratios

  • Don't rely blindly on fixed bluff-to-value ratios like 70/30 for balanced ranges.
  • Not all bluffs are equal; strong draws require more frequent compensation by other bluffs.
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