Infinite micro stakes player

So I'm stuck at 10NL. Been around $200-$300 all month, and I can't really seem to break through.

My problems are showdown winnings, not 3betting polarized ranges against regs, and depolarized ranges against fish.

A early problem of mine, was being scared of monsters under the bed. Stopped barreling the turn enough, but now I got my groove back.

This is a post to make me think more over 3betting preflop against different villains, (quoted from the forum by ShuffleNCut).

(The numbers used here are for example only and should actually be based off your opponents range and tendencies. Also we're not actually going by hand rankings but playability, for example, pocket pairs not in the top 5% may be included in the top of your polarized range for 3betting and 67s may appear in your calling range while not actually being in the top 20% of hands)

Low fold to 3bet: 

• 3bet a depolarized range (AK+, QQ+)
• Wider he calls, the wider your 3bet range should be
• Against a person who rarely 4bets, you can 3bet AK but easy fold to 4bet

If the opponent is likely to fold to your 3bet:

• 3bet a polarized range (AK, QQ+, Kxs, Axs, suited connectors)
• If he 4bet or fold, value range is hands willing to 5bet (QQ+)
• When 3betting as bluff (Best hands you would fold) [Balances play, good equity vs call range and blockers] 
• Higher ratio fold / 4bet. Call 10%, 4bet 70%, Fold 20% = 3bet value
• Call 10%, 4bet 20% and Fold 70%, 3bet the bottom off polarized range 

Adjust your range due to villain play in 3bet pots

• If villain calls 3bet often then folds flop - > 3bet polarized range and call dominating hands pre (Hands that they would fold to a 3bet) 
• 3bet a wide range at the top of your folding range to collect dead money when they call pre/fold flop). 
• If they call 3bets often and float often, then 3bet a depolarized range and value town 
• If they never 4bet, keep in mind that they are flatting 3bets with monsters so adjust your perception of their range accordingly (you may assume a 35:65 call:fold ratio is actually closer to 10:25:65 3bet:call:fold so you narrow your value range a bit) 
• If they like to flat pocket pairs/suited connectors (drawing hands) to 3bets then you can widen a polarized range and expect your equity to not shift much (QT vs 67s or 77 plays the same as AK) 

You can judge whether your opponent is likely to call or not based off a variety of factors. Stats are a good option if you have a significant sample size but can be misleading at small samples (fold to 3b 1/1, He folds to 100% of 3bets!!). Stats can also be misleading due to position; a person who will usually bet/fold to 3bet out of possion may call with the same hand in position. Regs are less likely to call a 3b out of position and will often 4bet or fold. Fish are often likely call a 3bet from anywhere and only 4bet the nuts. On the button vs a blind 3bet most people are more likely to call than normal. Players are more likely to play back vs positions where your range will be wider or more dishonest (3betting SBvUTG is usually honest but SBvBTN is often not). 


The things to consider when 3betting at the micros
1. Their betting range (determines what your 3bet, call, and fold range is) 
2. Their likely reaction to a 3bet (affects whether your 3bet range is polarized or depolarized) 
3. How they play in a 3bet pot (affects whether your 3bet range is polarized or depolarized) 


You can start thinking about your image and how it affects your 3betting once your opponents start paying attention to things other than their hole cards. If you have a loose 3betting image then your ranges should tighten up.

If you have a tight 3betting image then you can get away with squeezing and playing back vs steals more (the most profitable 3bet spots because you win the most on a squeeze and your opponents has the most air in his range with a steal). 


1. Players are more likely to not adjust at all (not paying attention/don't know how) or to adjust way to fast (knee jerk) at the micros. You should adjust once you figure out which type they are and either pound them if they won't fight back or start 5betting a polarized range vs people who see your 10% 3bet stat over 10 hands and assume you're a maniac. It's very important that YOU don't make the same mistake. First, get a read, second, adjust. 
2. The average micro stakes player's biggest leak is calling to much. You should usually default to a depolarized range against most players until you have enough information to make a solid read. 
3. Most 3b hand that show down are noteworthy; it's is a HUGE help to know that a guy will call a 3b with 88 and then check/call down a T64 board when you are considering how to play against him in the future 

If you can get an extra fish in the pot while you have a hand with good equity then the possibility of that outcome should narrow the top of your 3bet range (call more when players who will pay off you big hands often are likely to enter the pot behind you.).