20 Jul 2024 blockers combinatorics ranges In this article, we will introduce the concept of blockers: basic knowledges, how to use them, and the precautions to take when using blockers in poker. So, let's dive into it! What is a Blocker? A blocker is a card that reduces the likelihood of your opponent holding certain hands. For example, if you have the A♠, it means that your opponent cannot have the A♠. Let's look at a practical example: Here, Player 8 on the left holds A♠K♥. Holding the A♠ means the opponent cannot have the A♠ and thus cannot make an A-high flush. This situation is referred to as A♠K♥ blocking the nuts. A♠ is a blocker to the strongest flush, and this information is known only to the player holding it. Since blockers are information only known to you, you can play more advantageously by using them appropriately. How to Use Blockers Blockers can be used in two main situations: When bluffing When catching a bluff Making Bluffing Easier Considering blockers can increase the success rate of your bluffs. Let's look at a specific situation: Imagine you hold K♠Q♣️ in the CO. On the river, your opponent bets 14bb (35% pot size). In this case, considering blockers makes a bluff more viable. Why? Your K♠Q♣️ blocks the possibility of your opponent holding a K-high flush. By holding the K♠, you reduce the chances of your opponent making a flush with hands like K♠Q♠, K♠J♠, or K♠T♠. By making a bluff raise here, the opponent, who is less likely to have a flush, will find it difficult to call. In this way, having a hand that makes it less likely for your opponent to have strong hands increases the success rate of your bluffs. Making Bluff Catching Easier Blockers can also make bluff catching easier when they block your opponent’s value hands. Let’s see a specific example. Imagine you hold Q♥T♥ in the BB. Your opponent goes all-in for 64.6 bb (91% pot size) on the board: Considering blockers, Q♥T♥ increases your chances of successfully catching a bluff. Why? Firstly, the T♥ blocks your opponent’s straight. Secondly, the Q♥ blocks your opponent’s two-pairs or sets. When your hand blocks many of your opponent’s value hands, they are more likely to be bluffing, making bluff catching more viable. Precautions When Using Blockers Many players use blockers incorrectly, which can lead to costly mistakes. While blockers can be highly effective in certain situations, relying too heavily on them can be detrimental. 1. Blockers Often Have Minimal Effect Generally, the effect of blockers is minimal. The first thing to consider in poker is the range of hands your opponent might have based on their actions. For example, in the previously mentioned situation, the primary consideration should be what hands your opponent might have for that bet. Next, consider how many of those hands might fold if you bluff. If most of opponent's hands won’t fold, even with good blockers, your bluff won’t be profitable. Always prioritize other considerations before using blockers, and only use them when you determine that your opponent is playing a nearly perfect balanced strategy. 2. Blockers Depend on Your Opponent’s Range Using tools like GTO Wizard can show you which hands have strong blocker effects. However, these effects only apply when your opponent is using a GTO strategy. No human can perfectly execute a GTO strategy. Even the best pros cannot implement GTO strategy flawlessly. As your opponent’s range deviates from GTO, the effectiveness of blockers changes. Instead of blindly trusting GTO tools, think about your opponent’s range and assess which hands might have a high blocker effect in that specific situation. 3. Use Blockers Only When Ranges Are Extremely Narrow Blockers are most effective when ranges are extremely narrow. The narrower the range, the more significant the effect of blockers. Use blockers primarily when ranges are narrow. Considering blockers during a c-bet on the flop, for example, will usually have little effect. Conclusion Blockers are a valuable consideration when seeking slight edges in expected value. However, in most cases, blockers have minimal impact. Poker is all about considering your opponent’s range and determining the best play against that range. Using blockers can provide logical justification for your plays, but they are often not very useful. Use blockers only in situations where ranges are extremely narrow, such as when there are only about 10 possible combinations.
