Why is hand flexibility so important in poker?
Playability in poker is crucial. Consider the playability of your hand both on the flop and on the turn.
In this article, you will learn what it is and how it can help you make smarter and more profitable decisions at the table.
Well, let’s get started!
How do you define playability?
Playability is the potential of a starting hand to play effectively on any court.
Playability is defined by the ability of a hand to utilize its equity against a certain range of hands, in more advanced poker parlance.
For example, the hand 8h7h is not a very strong starting hand, only 8 high, but it plays well. If your hand has a lot of cards on the flop, you can increase your chances of winning.
On the contrary, hands like ac7d are not very good to play. A small number of flops will prevent this hand from using a monster. Although an ace can help you get top pair, you still run the risk of being dominated.
Hands with good playability can fully realize their equity – or even over-realize it.
However, hands with poor playability are more likely to underestimate their equity against a certain range of opponent’s hands.
When pros talk about their hands at the tables, playability is a constantly mentioned concept.
What are the main takeaways from this BB defense range?
K6o is in no way in the BB defense range. K9o is the weakest all-in king to call.
In other words, this hand is clearly minus, not borderline.
In contrast, 87s one-seamers not only call, but are strong enough to potribe often. Solver will split this hand between call and three-bet about equally.
As you may have guessed, the playability of each hand is the main reason for this strategy. 8h7h is more playable than kh6c. But why?
What factors determine the playability of a hand?
The likelihood of hitting hands that are strong enough to continue to bet or defend against an opponent’s bet determines the playability of a hand.
This is what allows a hand to utilize more of its equity, reaching turn, river and finally showdown more often.