Cutoff CO Open Range Guide

Position Scenario Explanation

Cut Off (CO) is the first position to the right of the button (BTN). In a 6-max game, CO is in the middle-late position, with UTG and HJ (if 6-max, UTG and HJ) ahead, and BTN, SB, BB behind. Advantages of the CO position:

• Only BTN and blinds behind, making it easier to steal blinds than early positions.
• Compared to early positions, CO can open wider, but must be cautious of BTN's 3-bet.

Recommended Opening Range (6-max, 100BB effective stacks, no limpers)

Raising Range (approx. 22% of hands)

Strong hands (value raises):

• All pairs: 22+ (approx. 6%)
• All suited aces: A2s+ (approx. 3%)
• All offsuit aces: ATo+ (approx. 3%)
• All suited connectors: 54s+ (approx. 3.5%)
• Some suited gappers: J9s, T8s, 97s, 86s, 75s (approx. 1.5%)
• All offsuit broadways: KJo+, QJo (approx. 2%). However, suited hands are generally preferred; offsuit KQo and KJo can be situational.

Range composition (example): 22+, A2s+, K9s+, Q9s+, J9s+, T8s+, 97s+, 86s+, 75s+, 65s, 54s, ATo+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo (approx. 22-25%).

Note: This is a relatively standard CO opening range; actual adjustments should be made based on opponents.

Range Construction Logic

CO's range is wider than early positions but narrower than BTN. Logic:

• Value first: All pairs and strong A-high (AJ+) are always raised.
• Medium hands: Suited connectors and suited aces are playable, can form draws or top pairs post-flop.
• Steal components: Add some weaker offsuit broadways (e.g., QTo) and suited gappers (e.g., J9s) to exploit position for stealing.
• Blind defense: Weaker suited connectors (e.g., 54s) can also be raised because they are easy to play post-flop and not often 3-bet.

Adjustment Factors

• Opponent type: If BTN 3-bets frequently, tighten the range (remove weak suited connectors and QTo); if blinds call wide, can loosen.
• Stack depth: Deep stacks (>150BB) can add more suited connectors and gappers; short stacks (<40BB) should tighten to strong hands.
• Limpers: If there are limpers ahead, CO should raise medium+ hands (approx. 15%) and isolate with strong hands.
• Position advantage: Compared to UTG, CO can raise about 5-8% more hands, mainly suited connectors and weak suited aces.

GTO Reference

According to modern GTO solvers, CO's optimal raising frequency in 6-max 100BB is about 20-25%, with a 3-bet range of about 3-4% (to counter blinds). Typical GTO range:

• Raise: 22+, A2s+, K9s+, Q9s+, J9s+, T8s+, 97s+, 86s+, 75s+, 65s, ATo+, KTo+, QTo+
• 3-bet: QQ+, AK, A5s (polarized), some mixed.

In actual play, you can fine-tune based on this, but the GTO range provides a solid baseline.

Practical Application

• Against tight-passive blinds: Loosen range to about 30%, include more weak suited aces and gappers.
• Against aggressive 3-bettors: Tighten to about 18%, remove KTo, QTo, 86s, etc., increase 4-bet range.
• Multi-way pots: If opponents tend to call, use more suited connectors and pocket pairs, avoid weak offsuit hands.
• Post-flop plan: Continuation bet with strong hands (top pair+), semi-bluff with draws, fold weak hands (e.g., QTo with no draw post-flop).

Remember: CO is a key position for stealing blinds and establishing pot control; flexible range adjustment can significantly improve profitability.