This situation doesn't come up super often but when it happens it makes me think about it pretty hard because both players have the opportunity to rep a strong range.

I'm not really sure what the appropriate answer is, and obviously gameflow and history can have a huge effect on the dynamic in general. However, there has to be some general theory we can discuss here.

Please point out any leaks you see in my answers or thinking. This is really for 100NL+, more applicable at 200NL+

Central Question:
Should a player OOP 3bet an UTG raiser with only the top of their 3bet range (except if they open loosely)? And the reciprocal, how light should UTG 4bet back considering SB/BB is repping what should be the top of their range?


Feel free to answer the above generally, or if you have more time to fill out the below "worksheet". Any thoughts about 3betting UTG raisers are cool too.

We are UTG
1) What is our 3bet calling range?
2) 4betting range? (Vs. squeeze and non squeeze situation)

If you are SB/BB
1) What's your 3bet range? (Dead money out there and none)
2) 5 bet shove range? (Dead money out there and none)


Other Factors:
1) Is our opponent is a reg or a fish?
2) Are there reads/history type stuff we can use? Perhaps you have an anecdote or some general advice.

Going farther:

(Assuming no or little dead money)
If both villains are regs, consider the following situation with players with the following stats:

a)18/15 5% 3bet
b)27/21 8% 3bet

First being UTG, Second being OOP 3better
a vs. a
a vs. b
b vs b
b vs. a


------------------
My Answers



We are UTG
1) What is our 3bet calling range?


Although we have position I don't like calling with much.
99-JJ and some suited broadways and AQs. It seems like 22-88 are almost the same as 99-JJ though unless villain for some reason likes 3betting OOP with mid pairs. I don't want to be in this many 3bet pots vs. his range here, though

2) 4betting range? (Vs. squeeze and non squeeze situation)

If there hasn't been a squeeze, I like 4betting lighter to use my position.
4bet fold: AQo, KQ, low PPs
4bet call 5bet shove: JJ+, AK

If there's been what appears to be a squeeze with plenty of dead money, I'll 4bet shove 22+, AQ+


If you are SB/BB
1) What's your 3bet range? (Dead money out there and none)

No dead:
AK, JJ+

With Dead: Depending on UTG's image, I may squeeze any two. If UTG is a competent reg who will recognize my squeeze, I'll be 3betting a normal range, perhaps slightly looser looking to profitably get the money in


2) 5 bet shove range? (Significant Dead money out there and none)

No dead: AK, QQ+
Dead: 1010+ AK


Other Factors:
1) Is our opponent is a reg or a fish?

I fold or call vs. fish unless I have QQ+/AK. I like 4betting my normal 4bet range + any ace I open UTG, with the intention of 4bet/folding any A except AK .

2) If villain is a reg, our image/stats
a)18/15 5% 3bet
b)27/21 8% 3bet

First being UTG, Second being OOP 3better

a vs. a

Both players should only be playing the top 3% of their range, but UTG can play slightly looser with the advantage of being the first player to 4bet, along with strong image.

a vs. b

B should in theory recognize A's range and tighten up in order to force UTG to try to misuse his image. If B isn't making this adjustment, A can strongly profit using his image and position.

b vs b

OOP can 3bet a normal range because of how loose UTG opens until UTG adjusts with light 4bets, then OOP needs to tighten up

b vs. a

OOPA can 3bet UTGB with his normal 3betting range until OOPA begins adjusting with lighter 4bets.