Bloggers / Chris Edwards / 11 February 2009 / Leave a comment

When beginning in the game of poker one of the first aspects a player learns is what a good starting hand looks like.

I say look like, because a hand might look pretty but actually not be that great, for example K-J in Hold'em or A-K-2-9 offsuit in Pot Limit Omaha. After learning the basics of position, one of the best theories for deciding whether a hand is playable or not is The Gap Concept.

The Gap Concept was coined by David Sklansky in his book 'Tournament Poker For Advanced Players'. Although he describes this theory as a tournament idea, I believe it can be applied to cash games very effectively, especially helping losing players. The Gap Concept is simple:

You need a better hand to call a raise with than you do to make a raise with.

A very basic rule, but one that players break all too often. Further explained, The Gap Concept looks at the idea that a hand loses value when there is lots of action leading up to it, therefore making it less playable. Here we will look at an excellent example of the gap concept.

Assume we are playing a NLHE tournament with everyone sitting around even in chips, and around 30 BB's. You are on the button and hold A-J offsuit. Now, this is a good starting hand, but only in certain situations. If the action was folded to you then the standard play would be to raise as a) you are likely to have the best hand and b) your likely to steal the blinds. However, say there is an UTG raise and a re-raise from the player to your right, both of whom are solid good players. Your hand is now considerably weaker as its very likely one or both of the raises has a better hand than you, therefore the best play would be to fold. This is a good example of how a good hand can be played differently using the gap concept.

When thinking about the Gap Concept you need to evaluate your table or general play at your chosen limits to decide just how differently to play certain hands. Let's say your playing NLHE against a tight table. Your raising range in late position could be huge, opening with any pair 5's and up, KJ offsuit or better or any medium suited connectors as your likely to steal many antes and even if called use your position to your advantage after the flop. Your calling range/re raising range at this table might be much tighter, maybe only JJ+ or AQs +. Determining correctly how close or wide the gap in hand selection needs to be can help you dominate a table.

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