PFR

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PFR, or Preflop Raise, measures the percentage of hands in which a player raises before the flop. It’s an indicator of a player’s aggressiveness, with a higher PFR pointing to a more aggressive player. Understanding and adjusting to opponents’ PFR can be key to successful poker strategy.

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Preflop Raise (PFR) is a crucial statistic in poker that measures how often a player raises before the flop. It’s an important part of understanding aggressive play and can help players make better decisions at the table.

Understanding PFR

PFR is expressed as a percentage, representing the frequency with which a player raises preflop out of all the hands they play.

A higher PFR suggests a more aggressive player who often enters the pot with a raise, while a lower PFR indicates a more conservative player who prefers to call or fold rather than raise.

Why PFR Matters

PFR is a key indicator of a player’s overall aggressiveness. It provides insights into their playing style and helps in adjusting your strategy accordingly.

For example, against a player with a high PFR, you might want to tighten your range, while against a player with a low PFR, you could exploit their caution by being more aggressive.

Calculating PFR

To calculate PFR, divide the number of hands a player has raised preflop by the total number of hands they have played. For instance, if a player has played 100 hands and raised preflop 30 times, their PFR would be 30%.

The Math Behind PFR

To calculate the PFR frequency of a player, you can use the following formula:

\[\text{PFR Frequency} = \left( \frac{\text{Number of times the player raises preflop}}{\text{Number of hands the player is dealt}} \right)\times 100\]

PFR in Different Positions

PFR can also vary by position. Players tend to have a higher PFR when in late position (like the button) and a lower PFR in early position (such as under the gun).

This is because position plays a significant role in poker strategy, offering more information and control over the pot in later positions.

Examples of Hands and PFR

Let’s consider a few examples to illustrate PFR in action:

High PFR Hand: You’re on the button with A K . Everyone folds to you, and you raise. This aggressive move is typical of a player with a high PFR, taking advantage of position with a strong hand.
Low PFR Hand: You’re in early position with J T . You decide to call instead of raising, indicative of a lower PFR strategy, preferring to play a bit more conservatively from an early position.