Preflop editor: which program is more convenient to collect ranges in?

19.12.2023

Poker strategy is often divided into two unequal parts: preflop and postflop. On the preflop, a player evaluates the prospects of the starting hand and decides whether to participate in the fight for the pot. On the postflop, he uses all his arsenal to take the money. Playing on the flop and subsequent streets is more complicated than the preparatory part, but learning poker always starts with chart building. Let's discuss where the best hands are grouped and what preflop range editors exist.

What programs are suitable for working with preflop ranges?

The most obvious option for creating ranges is Flopzilla. Poker calculators are a comprehensive tool for analyzing hands played, paying a lot of attention to preflop. Other poker calculators like Power-Equilab or Equilab can also help. Relatively recently FreeBetRange was released. The developer positions the software as an editor and trainer of preflop ranges. So let's start the review with it.

FreeBetRange

FreeBetRange is a browser application for working with ranges in poker.

Browser-based implementation allows you to train from both your computer and your smartphone

The program performs three main tasks:

  • Creates and saves ranges. Allows you to make up, import and export charts for use in the session.
  • Gives you the ability to use ranges during a game. Provides the ability to refer to saved ranges in Viewer mode during a game session.
  • Hones preflop skills in the ranges trainer. Provides a trainer for practicing preflop charts and other skills.

Benefits of FreeBetRange:

  • Compatible with mobile devices. Works fully on computers, smartphones and tablets, allowing you to practice anywhere.
  • Dark Theme. Ensures that you can comfortably absorb the material and stay focused in the evening.
  • Supports shortdeck. Preflop range editor supports short deck poker.
  • Wide range of tools. Capable of grouping hands into charts, coloring them in different colors and setting weights. The last feature allows you to create flexible charts.
  • Data import and export. Supports importing and exporting data from popular poker programs such as: Flopzilla, Equilab, PioSolver and others.
  • Cloning. The tool makes it easy to transfer ranges and save them.
  • Quick Share. Quick screenshots to save and quickly share sets of hands.
  • There is an option to use during a session. Poker clients can't see what's open in your browser. So you can peek at FreeBetRange without repercussions.
  • Constant updates. The developer systematically improves the product by adding new features such as the ability to create notes.

FreeBetRange is an excellent preflop range editor with a wide range of possibilities for practicing. Read more information about the software in a separate review.

The trainer saves the history of your sessions. You will be able to track your progress from training sessions.

The developer provides a free trial version of FreeBetRange for 1 month. To get access, make a simple registration on the product's website.

Flopzilla

Flopzilla is a powerful poker hand analysis tool that is also suitable for working with preflop ranges. The program allows you to evaluate and understand different scenarios on each street more effectively. Flopzilla's main features:

  • Saves and categorizes ranges. Using a matrix of starting hands and weights, players generate ranges for each preflop situation. Convenient and simple tools make it easy to structure information.
  • Visualizes the strengths of the ranges. Flopzilla visualizes equity on the chart and matrix.
  • Compares the strength of players' ranges. The user of the calculator has the ability to specify the set of hands of each participant of the hand in turn and find out who has an advantage preflop.
  • Works step by step with ranges. Flopzilla allows you to change sets of hands sequentially and see how it affects the strength of hands in a particular situation.
  • Analyzes the texture of the board. The player can estimate the strength of the preflop range on each type of flop. This is especially useful for postflop decision making.
  • Exports data. Players can share and edit preflop ranges after analyzing them collectively.

Flopzilla is a great tool for serious players. It allows you to deeply analyze and understand preflop scenarios.

The new version of Flopzilla has added clarity to the calculator

Working with ranges in Flopzilla improves the quality of your decisions in the game. Read more details about hand analysis in the poker calculator in a separate article. The developer of the calculator provides a free version for 7 days.

Power-Equilab

A simpler analog of Flopzilla. It is slightly inferior to the popular calculator in terms of features and strongly in terms of visibility. Here is what Power-Equilab can do:

  • Works with ranges. Power-Equilab allows you to analyze and compare different hand ranges for certain poker scenarios. You can research both your own and your opponents' ranges.
  • It shows how a particular range hits the boards. The program provides accurate data on the chances of improving your hand on different streets (flop, turn, river). This is useful for postflop decision making.
  • Analyzes board texture. Power-Equilab allows you to evaluate the strength of your preflop range on different combinations of common cards. This helps you understand the impact of different boards on ranges.
  • Optimizes ranges. Parsing played hands helps you find unnecessary card combinations on preflop and get rid of them.
  • Imports data from other calculators. Power-Equilab allows you to quickly and painlessly transfer hand sets from Flopzilla and other analogs.
  • Trains your understanding of equity. Power-Equilab has a special tool that gives you the opportunity to practice your perception of range strength against your opponents' ranges.

An important disadvantage of Power-Equilab is that it works on a subscription basis

Power-Equilab also has unique features like poker math. In it, users can take their understanding of poker math to the next level. For a comparison between Flopzilla and Power-Equilab, check out another article. The creator of the calculator provides a trial for 14 days.

Equilab

A simplified version of the previous poker calculator. The main advantage is that Equilab is free. It allows players to parse hands and save ranges. It has the basic features of a calculator, but lacks clarity and is too schematic. You can't color ranges and assign hand weights in Equilab.

Equilab allows you to save but not train ranges

The tool is suitable for beginners, but for more advanced features we recommend using Flopzilla or Power-Equilab.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a full-fledged preflop range editor, go for FreeBetRange. Flopzilla is a more comprehensive solution that allows you to analyze hands from preflop to river. For beginners, the free Equilab is sufficient.

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