Quote Originally Posted by Vinland
Nice post.
I think I can speak for some newer poker players (I hope I can anyway.)

I have trouble putting opponents on a range. When I do, I usually put them on a range that only beats what I hold.
I think this is two fold: I am not confident enough (because I'm inexperienced and because I am a conservative player approaching nit status (as are many new players)
So for example if I hold AQo in middle position and raise and am called by, say the button and the flop comes:

I put out a good sized value bet and he calls me or even re-raises me. I immediately put him on the following hole cards: AA, A10, 88, AK and nothing else. This is because if I were him (and he had my tight, if not nitty playing style) I wouldn't call with anything lower than AQ. Since I hold AQ, he probably has me beat!
See what I mean? I have trouble putting people on ranges because I stick my ultra tight requirements for calling on them and assume that if they are calling, they must have something real sweet that they are holding.

However, I don't suck at ranges,...I just need to work on it.
I think it was Brunson that said something to the effect of "poker's a game of people (not cards). Forget that, and you're dead money (fucked)."

Yeah your problem was / sometimes continues to be a problem of mine as well. I think it may have something to do with a phenomenon psychologists call the "false consensus bias." Basically, that you mistakenly believe that everyone believes the same shit that you do.

My advice is to start focusing more on your opponent's playing styles if you can. Don't play the same basic away against all opponents, but alter your play to take advantage of their particular weakness. Example: a guy plays weak post flop (gives up a lot if he misses). You should be more liberal with the cbets against this guy headsup.