Poker range merging is a strategic concept that focuses on balancing value hands and bluffs within a single betting range. Instead of clearly separating strong hands from weak or bluffing hands, range merging combines them in a way that makes a player’s actions more difficult to read. This approach is especially useful against opponents who pay close attention to betting patterns and try to exploit predictable behavior.
At its core, range merging means betting with hands that are not the absolute strongest but are still good enough to gain value, while also including some weaker hands as bluffs. This creates uncertainty for opponents, as they cannot easily determine whether a bet represents strength or weakness. When done correctly, merging ranges prevents opponents from making easy decisions and MPL Poker forces them to guess more often.
One situation where range merging is commonly used is in medium-strength hand scenarios. Hands like second pair or top pair with a weak kicker may not always justify aggressive betting on their own. However, when these hands are included in a merged range alongside strong hands, they become more effective. Opponents facing these bets must consider the possibility of facing a much stronger hand, which often leads to folds or cautious calls.
Range merging is closely tied to board texture. On boards that are relatively safe and do not allow many strong draws, medium-strength hands gain more value when bet. These boards support a merged range because opponents have fewer opportunities to represent strong holdings. On more complex boards with many possible combinations, merging becomes riskier and requires greater awareness.
Understanding opponent tendencies is critical for effective range merging. Against passive players who call frequently, merging may lose value because bluffs are less likely to succeed. Against thoughtful opponents who can fold strong hands under pressure, merged ranges become more powerful. Adjusting range construction based on who is at the table ensures that merging remains effective rather than predictable.
Position also plays a role in range merging. Acting later provides more information and allows players to control pot size more easily. This makes it safer to include medium-strength hands in betting ranges. Out of position, merging requires more caution, as limited information increases the risk of overcommitting with marginal holdings.