Cutoff CO Open-Raise Range Guide: From Theory to Practice

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This article explains the open-raise range for the Cutoff CO position in detail, covering standard ranges, opponent type adjustments, positional advantages, and practical examples. It helps you accurately select starting hands in cash games and tournaments to increase profitability.

Introduction

The CO (Cut Off) is one of the most advantageous positions in Texas Hold'em, located to the right of the button (BTN). Since the next actions are from the BTN (who has post-flop positional advantage) and the blinds, the CO can steal blinds and react when the BTN calls or raises. A well-constructed CO open-raising range is key to balancing value and bluffs.

Standard CO Open-Raising Range

In a no-ante 6-max cash game against passive blinds (high call rate, low 3-bet), a typical CO raising range covers about 20%-25% of starting hands. Below is a reference range (for 100bb deep stacks with no special opponent tendencies):

Specific example (approx. 22%):

Adjustments Based on Opponents

Vs. Tight-Passive Blinds (High Fold Equity)

If the small and big blinds have a fold-to-steal rate above 70%, significantly widen your stealing range by adding more weak Ax, Kx, suited gappers, and small pairs. For example: A2o-A5o, K5o-K8o, Q7s+, J7s+, all suited connectors (54s+), and all pairs (22+). This range can reach 30%-35%.

Vs. Aggressive Blinds (High 3-Bet Rate)

If opponents 3-bet above 10%, tighten your range and fold easily dominated hands like KJo, QTo, K9s, etc. Also increase 4-bet bluffs (e.g., A5s) and your calling range vs. 3-bets. Recommended range shrinks to 15%-18%: only strong pairs (99+), high suited cards (AJs+), and a few suited connectors (T9s+).

Vs. Calling Stations (High Call Rate)

If blinds call often but play loose-passive post-flop, widen your range but focus on hands with showdown value (e.g., AJo, KQo) and avoid weak suited connectors (hard to profit post-flop). Increase your C-bet frequency post-flop.

CO's Relationship with Later Positions

When BTN is Tight-Aggressive

If the BTN frequently 3-bets, reduce blind stealing to avoid being isolated. Consider raising often but calling BTN's 3-bets with a wider range, and use position to play post-flop.

When BTN is Passive

You can steal blinds more freely, but be cautious about entering multi-way pots with the BTN.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Cash game, 100bb, CO holds A5o.

  • Blinds are passive regs (fold rate 65%, rarely 3-bet).
  • Action: Raise to 3bb.
  • Reason: A5o has blocker effects (reduces opponents' AA/AK) and can flop top pair or straight draws, suitable for stealing.

Example 2: Tournament, 15bb (short stack), CO holds K8s.

Summary

CO open-raising should be flexible based on stack depth, opponent tendencies, and game type. The standard range is a foundation, but real profits come from precise exploitation of opponents. Continuously observe blinds' 3-bet, call, and fold stats, and adjust accordingly for long-term success.