Capped range
A range that, based on previous actions, cannot contain the strongest possible hands. A player who just called a raise pre-flop is often capped because they would have re-raised with aces or kings.
Frequently asked questions
What is a capped range?
A range with an upper limit — the player's actions have ruled out their very strongest hands. A player who just calls preflop rather than three-betting is unlikely to hold aces, so their range is capped from the start.
How do you know an opponent is capped?
From the line, not the hand. Flat-calling preflop, checking back a flop, or calling twice and then checking a river all cap a range, because a strong hand would normally have raised at one of those points.
How do you attack a capped range?
With large bets and overbets. If they cannot have the best hands, they cannot defend against a bet that requires them — which is why identifying a cap is the main trigger for an overbet in modern strategy.