“Gap concept” refers to the idea that a player needs a better hand to call a raise than one needs to make a raise or open the pot themselves. Just like it is far easier to move all-in with jack ten suited than it is to call an all-in with jack ten suited, it is simpler to bet your hand than it is to call with it. The distance or gap between the raising hand on PokerStar and the calling hand is referred to as the gap. The tighter the raising player, the bigger the gap between that which you would normally raise with and those hands you can correctly and comfortably call a raise with.

As an example, action folds to you. You sit in mid-position with Ace Nine suited. Making a raise here is simple, and even standard. However, in the event you face a raise from an earlier position player, the way you value your suited ace changes.

The reason for this is due to the initial raise. When action folded to you, you felt as if your suited ace is the best hand. You are comfortable opening for a raise because no one has yet to enter the pot voluntarily. In the latter example, however, you feel as if your Ace Nine is not the best hand. The early raiser already showed interest in the pot, as well as strength by raising. As a result, you feel your hand is inferior to their holding, and as a result, you smartly fold.

Going back to the initial raise with A-9, we raise with that hand because the pot has not been opened and because our opposition falls into the category of the Gap Concept as well. They too must think about what they are holding, whether they are dominated, and whether or not they will have the best hand when flopping top pair.

When facing the raise on PokerStar.com, you should tighten your starting hand standards significantly, according to the Gap Concept. You fear your ace is dominated, and as a result, you choose not to play. When you hit your ace, you will be a costly second best. Playing a dominated hand can be extremely problematic, and this is why the “gap concept” was born. The gap concept can help save you from many of those. Remember, it is easier to make a raise than it is to call one.