When analyzing an opponent’s poker skills, PFR is one of the most important stats to look at. This is because it reflects how often the player raises preflop, as opposed to just calling. By studying the way an opponent uses this stat, you can learn what type of hands they play with and use that information to crush them at the tables.
PFR stands for preflop raise percentage and is a part of VPIP, or Voluntary Put Money into Pot. This statistic is shown by default in every HUD (Head-Up Display) available on a poker client, whether that be Xeester or PokerTracker 4. PFR is also used as the shortcut for preflop raise percentage in poker tracking software, such as Hold’em Manager or PT4.
While both VPIP and PFR are important poker stats, PFR gives a more specific picture of how an opponent plays preflop. To calculate PFR, simply divide a player’s total number of preflop raises by their total number of calls and you will get their PFR percentage. This is a very useful statistic to study when playing against other players, as it helps you understand how many different types of hands they have in their range and whether or not it’s profitable to call their bluffs.
As a general rule of thumb, a winning player’s PFR should be close to their VPIP. If a player’s PFR is much lower than their VPIP, they are probably playing too passively and missing out on profits. On the other hand, if their PFR is much higher than their VPIP, they may be getting involved in too many marginal situations and should consider making some adjustments to their game.
It’s also worth remembering that a player’s PFR can change depending on the game type and stakes they’re playing. For example, a player’s PFR will be higher in turbos and hyperturbos because the blinds rise quickly, forcing them to play more hands and raise more frequently.
Another good thing about PFR is that it can help you identify aggressive and passive players. If a player’s PFR exceeds their VPIP, they are likely to be aggressive and can be easily taken advantage of with well-timed re-raises. Alternatively, if a player’s PFR is lower than their VPIP, they are likely to play too passively and can be exploited with well-timed bluffing moves. PFR is also a great tool for identifying leaks in your own game, such as folding too often to bluffs or not raising enough when you have a strong hand. This is why it’s so important to monitor your own pfr percentage regularly and make changes as necessary. By doing so, you’ll be able to improve your poker skills and become a more profitable player in no time.