Poker Preflop Raise (PFR) Statistics Explained

by Adrian Sterne Updated: January 27, 2023

Image of Poker Preflop Raise Statistics in Poker

Reading the words “poker” and “statistics” together is often enough to discourage anyone new to the game. However, any poker expert will tell you that understanding poker stats is the foundation of successful gameplay.

That said, we’ll introduce you to ‘PFR’ — the preflop raise.

The article will explain what poker preflop raise means and how you can use it to your advantage in the next poker game.

What Is Poker Preflop Raise?
How to Use PFR Stat?
VPIP vs. PFR
Online Poker Rooms
Conclusion
FAQ

What Is Poker Preflop Raise?

Preflop raise, aka PFR in poker, describes the percentage of raises a player makes preflop. This element goes hand in hand with VPIP (voluntarily put in pot), a concept we explained in one of our articles.

Any time you raise preflop, it counts toward your overall PFR percentage. Whether you make a simple raise after the big blind or go for a 3-bet, it will contribute to your preflop raise statistics.

A high PFR percentage indicates an aggressive player, while a low value indicates a player is passive. Other player types also exist, and we’ll analyze them in the following paragraphs.

Your PFR percentage can be 0% or go as high as your VPIP stats but never over. Ideally, the preflop raise percentage should be lower than VPIP, between 2% and 3%. So if your VPIP is 20%, the PFR should be around 17% or 18%.

How to Use PFR Stat?

Aside from providing information about your gameplay, the PFR percentage helps you identify aggressive/passive and tight/loose players.

The higher the PFR stat, the wider the player’s range is when raising preflop.

This is just an estimate, as the percentage varies depending on the game and the players’ playing style. Still, let’s check out how you should deal with each player based on their PFR stats:

Loose-passive

Aka “Fish” or “Calling stations,” these players often call preflop and rarely raise, leading them to lose a lot of money. You can get a lot of cash out of them but avoid bluffing, as they tend to call a lot during a session.

Loose-aggressive

Nicknamed “LAGs” or simply “maniacs,” these players will pretty much play every hand trying to run over their opponents and often raise preflop. In this case, you want to play your strong hands and always be in position.

Tight-passive

Poker players who play a few hands and rarely raise preflop fall under this category. When up against them, fold your medium hands if they raise or re-raise.

Tight-aggressive

“TAGs” or “nips” have a tight gap between their VPIP and PFR stats, often raise preflop, and only enter the pot with their strongest hands. In this case, you should play with the premium cards and only re-raise if you’re confident.

VPIP vs. PFR

PFR and VPIP are inseparable, and all HUD stats display them together. As you can see below, VPIP is always higher than PFR because it also refers to calls and limps, not only raises.

Inexperienced players too often call preflop, creating a larger gap between VPIP and PFR stats.

The bigger the difference between the two, the more they enter into the “passive player” category. Passive gameplay doesn’t win games and tournaments. You should be aggressive with preflop raises to set yourself up for success.

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Conclusion

PFR stats are crucial in live and online poker games. Although they can contribute a lot independently, PFR stats come into full power when coupled with VPIP. These two elements provide more information about a player and help you modify your strategy to increase your winning odds.

So, don’t shy away from poker statistics. Understanding them at the very beginning will improve your gameplay in the long run.

FAQs

What is PFR?

PFR (preflop raise) refers to the percentage of hands a player raises preflop. Aggressive players usually have a PFR percentage between 1/2 or 2/3 of their VPIP (voluntarily put $ in pot).

What’s the difference between VPIP and PFR?

VPIP (voluntarily put $ in pot) refers to the percentage of a player’s preflop calls, limps, or raises, while PFR centers around the percentage of preflop raises. As a result, changes in PFR will always affect VPIP, but if an action influences VPIP, it won’t necessarily increase PFR.

What’s a good preflop raise percentage?

Your PFR should be 2% or 3% lower than your VPIP. So, if your VPIP is at 20%, your PFR should be around 17%.

Why is PFR important?

Players use the preflop raise to get as many opponents to fold. That way, they’ll have better chances of winning. On top of that, PFR often increases the value you’d get for your big hands.