Gap concept

Basic Definition

The gap concept is a poker strategy that suggests you need a stronger hand to join a pot when an opponent has already open-raised, compared to when you are the one making the open raise. This is because the opponent's raise increases the "threshold" for entering the pot.

Specific Situation

• In a 6-player table, it's easy to open-raise with from the UTG position. However, if an opponent open-raises from UTG, it becomes difficult to take aggressive action with the same , and in some cases, folding might even be an option.
• When you're in the big blind and your opponent open raises from the cutoff, you should carefully consider whether to 3-bet or just call with semi-premium hands like . This is influenced by the gap concept.

Important Information

• The gap concept becomes important when the opponent's open-raising range is narrow (for example, a raise from under the gun or middle position). When the range is wide (for example, an open raise from the button), the gap becomes smaller.
• Over-applying the gap concept can make your play too passive. At the right moments, it's also important to actively 3-bet or call.

Examples of Term Usage

"When facing a raise from under the gun, I consider the gap concept and make sure not to participate unless I have a very strong hand."