Equity Distribution
Also known as: equity distribution, equity graph, equity buckets, equity histogram
How equity is spread across a range's hands — not just the average — shown as a curve from worst to best combos.
Equity distribution describes how a range's equity is spread across its hands, typically drawn as a curve: hands sorted worst-to-best on the x-axis, their equity vs the opponent's range on the y-axis. Two ranges can share the same average range vs range equity yet demand opposite strategies because their distributions differ.
The shape dictates the bet size:
- Polarised distribution (a block of strong hands + a block of trash, little in between) → bet big / overbet, low frequency. This is the polarized range shape.
- Condensed / linear distribution (lots of medium-strength hands, few nuts, few air) → bet small, high frequency, or check. This is the merged range shape.
- Capped distributions (the curve never reaches the top) get attacked by overbets; uncapped ones can defend against any size.
Reading distributions is the solver-era skill. The average tells you who's ahead; the distribution tells you how to bet. A flat distribution favours thin value and small bets; a polarised one favours leverage. Where two distribution curves cross indicates roughly where bluff-catchers sit — the hands made indifferent by a balanced bluff-to-value ratio.
Example
On a paired, dry board like 882, the in-position raiser's distribution is polarised: trips and overpairs sit at the top, total airballs at the bottom, little in between. The right strategy is a low-frequency large bet — the distribution, not the ~52% average equity, is what tells you to size up rather than fire small.