Linear Range

Also known as: linear, depolarized range, value range, top-down range

A top-down range of the strongest hands by equity with no bluffs mixed in — every hand wants to continue.

A linear range (also called depolarized) takes the best hands by raw equity from the top down, with no weak-bluff component. Every hand in it is happy to get money in — the range is uniformly strong-to-decent rather than split into value and air like a polarized range.

Linear construction is correct when you have a raw equity edge and want value and protection rather than fold equity from junk. The textbook preflop case is an in-position 3-bet (e.g. BTN vs CO): you 3-bet a smaller size with QQ+/AK and strong-but-dominating hands like AQ, AJs, KQs, and mid pairs, because in position those hands realize equity well as a raise and don't need to be relegated to a flat. Steal and late-position RFI ranges are also essentially linear — you open every hand with enough equity and playability, no deliberate trash.

The distinction from a merged range is subtle: linear is purely top-down by equity, while merged emphasizes value combos and thin value over speculative or blocker hands. The practical takeaway: small sizings and good position pull you toward linear; large sizings and out-of-position pressure pull you toward polarized.