OffsuitMarginal

How to play 85o

Editor: dezhoupuke.org

It's a non-high card offsuit hand, post-flop often relies on hitting top pair with a weak kicker. Only open from BTN with deep stacks or see a cheap flop from SB; fold from other positions.

Preflop equity

Matchup85o equity
85o vs AKo43%
85o vs QQ46%
85o vs 8854%

Approximate preflop all-in data · Open preflop equity calculator →

GTO strategy

85o is mainly used for stealing from CO/BTN; postflop when hitting top pair, watch out for kicker, second pair often needs to fold to a raise.

Common mistakes

  • ✕Early position open wide kicker combos
  • ✕Flop second pair, still call big bet.

FAQ

Position guide

PositionAction
UTG85o is extremely weak in UTG position, lacks flush and straight potential, is at a disadvantage against any raise, and it's difficult to realize equity in multi-way pots.
MPUsually fold. If no one raises before you and the blinds are tight, you can consider limping very rarely, but must fold if facing a raise. 85o is difficult to hit strong hands post-flop, and playing marginal hands in middle position is high risk.
COWhen everyone folds to you, you can raise to 2.5BB to steal the blinds using position. If someone limps, you can raise to isolate; if facing a 3-bet, fold. 85o has some playability post-flop when hitting top pair or a draw.
BTNHand position BTN: 85o Fold before, raise to 2.5BB to steal blinds. If blinds are tight, raise frequently; if blinds are loose, be cautious. Fold to 3bet directly. Use position to control the pot post-flop.
SBIf the blind is tight, you can call but avoid large pots. 85o is difficult to play post-flop from SB, so folding is recommended in most cases.
BBHand position BB: 85o When facing a steal raise from BTN or CO, you can call to defend. Be aggressive post-flop when you hit top pair or a straight draw, otherwise check-fold. Avoid playing against tight players; 85o performs poorly in multiway pots.

Postflop board textures

g. 7♣2♦9♠

If it hits top pair like an 8 or 5, you can bet half pot for value, but be aware that opponents may hold overpairs. Straight draw potential is very low, not suitable for bluffing.

g., 9♠8♠7♥

85o may hit middle pair or a straight draw like 6 or 4, can call or semi-bluff raise. But note there are many flush draws and straight draws, opponent's range is strong. If hit two pair or trips, can bet aggressively.

Hand board label: 85o Paired board e.g. K♠K♦7♣

85o almost never hits, should check-fold. If it hits top pair like 8 or 5, can make a small bet to probe, but opponent may hold K or high pair. Avoid bluffing on paired boards because opponents are likely to call.

Monotone board e.g. A♠8♠3♠

85o has no flush draw, should check-fold. If you hit top pair like an 8, you can bet but note opponent may have a flush. Straight draw potential is low, not suitable for continuous bluffing.

Specific matchup notes

Post-flop, if you hit two pair or a straight, you can fight back, but AKo has high card advantage on the flop, so 85o needs to be cautious. 85o vs QQ: Win rate 46%. QQ has a strong overpair advantage on the flop, so 85o needs to hit a hand to compete. 85o vs 88: Win rate 54%. 85o has a slight advantage, but 88 might flop a set, so 85o must be careful. 85o vs other marginal hands like 76s: Win rate about 45%. 76s has great potential as a suited connector, so 85o needs to be cautious post-flop.

MTT short-stack push/fold

15BB: On BTN, push against loose blinds; occasionally push on CO; fold in other positions. 20BB: Only push on BTN when blinds are tight; otherwise fold. 85o has limited value as a short stack, mainly relies on fold equity.

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