The 3-bet and 4-bet war

The big blind is the 1st bet; whoever opens makes the 2nd; whoever reraises makes the 3-bet; and if the opener raises again, that's the 4-bet. Each level raises the pressure and narrows the ranges.

Linear vs polarized ranges

• Linear: you 3-bet your best hands in a row (QQ+, AK, AQs). Useful against opponents who call too much: you want value.
• Polarized: you 3-bet very strong hands (value) and selected bluffs, folding the middle (which you'd rather call). It's the GTO approach against good players.

The power of blockers

A blocker is a card in your hand that reduces the opponent's strong combos. A♥5♥ is a great 3-bet bluff: your Ace makes it less likely the opponent has AA or AK, so it's easier for them to fold. That's why 3-bet bluffs usually carry an Ace or a King.

When you get reraised (vs 3-bet)

• 4-bet with your top (AA, KK, AK) and some bluff with a blocker (A5s).
• Call with strong but non-premium hands that play well in position (QQ-TT, AQ).
• Fold the rest: standing up to a 3-bet with weak hands and out of position burns chips.