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Cutoff Open-Raise Range Guide: How to Build an Advantage in the CO

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The cutoff CO is one of the most important preflop positions, just one step away from the button. This article explains the standard range for CO open-raises, the logic behind constructing it, GTO references, and practical adjustments against different opponents, helping you maintain a sustained attack from the middle-late positions.

Position Scene Description

The Cutoff (CO) is the position immediately to the right of the button, with positional advantage over four players (button, small blind, big blind) post-flop. Because the button can still re-raise, the CO's opening range should be wider than the HJ but narrower than the BTN, balancing pressure on the blinds with protection against button steals.

Recommended Range

The standard CO open-raise range typically includes the following hand types:

Specifically, about 25% of hands (~332 combos) can be considered the default range. Typical combos include:

Range Construction Logic

The core balance of the CO range includes:

  1. Value and Bluffs: Mix strong hands (TT+, AQ+) and medium hands (pairs, connectors) to make it difficult for opponents to read.
  2. Playability First: Suited connectors and gappers have good post-flop potential in multiway pots, ideal for exploiting the blinds' calling ranges.
  3. Preventing 3-Bet Exploitation: Include enough 4-bet value hands (QQ+, AK) and 5-bet bluffs (A5s, KTs, etc.) to counter the button's 3-bets.

Adjustment Factors

Adjust based on opponents and dynamics in practice:

  • Blinds tight-passive: Widen the range, adding up to 10% marginal hands (e.g., K8s, QTo).
  • Blinds aggressive 3-betters: Tighten the opening range and increase 4-bet frequency to avoid frequent re-steals.
  • Button tight-passive: More aggressively steal pots, even opening with 60% of hands.
  • Button 3-bets frequently: Reduce marginal suited connectors and increase slow-play with AA, KK.
  • Short stack (<30BB): Reduce opening frequency, adopt push/fold strategies instead.

GTO Reference

In GTO models, the CO opening frequency is around 25%–30%, depending on effective stacks and blind structure. Common range example (100BB):

  • Raise: 22-AA, A2s+, A5o+ (A2o-A4o fold), K9s+, KTo+, Q9s+, QJo, J9s+, JTo, T9s-65s, T8s-86s, 98s, etc.
  • Fold: Q8s and below, J8s and below, T7s and below, all offsuit low cards.

Note: GTO is only a baseline; adjust according to opponent deviations in practice.

Practical Application

  1. Vs. Calling Stations: Value bet frequently with value hands (pairs, overpairs), reduce bluffs.
  2. Vs. Tight-Aggressive Players: Widen stealing range but defend cautiously against 3-bets.
  3. Multiway Pots: Tighten range, prioritize suited connectors that can make draws, avoid calling with weak high cards.
  4. Positional Effect: Post-flop, if you hit top pair, continuation bet; if paired board, consider checking to control pot size.

Common Questions

How many hands should I open from the CO?

Generally, about 25% of hands by default, but adjust to 20%–30% based on the tightness of blinds and button.

How to handle a 3-bet from the button?

Choose 4-bet (AA, KK, AK, A5s) or call (pairs, suited connectors) based on hand strength and opponent tendency. Avoid over-defending with marginal hands.

Post-flop strategy after the small blind calls?

The small blind's range is tighter, so you can continuation bet on many flops—but consider the blind's defensive tendencies. Typically c-bet with top pair or better, open-ended straight draws, and flush draws.