Cutoff Opening Range Guide: How to Maximize CO Position Advantage

The Importance of the Cutoff

The Cutoff (CO) is one of the last positions to act before the flop, only behind the Button (BTN). Because the CO player still has positional advantage postflop (except vs. BTN) and can directly attack the blinds preflop, it is one of the most profitable positions in the game.

In standard strategy, the CO's opening range is wider than that of the middle position but slightly tighter than the Button. The exact range depends on opponent types, blind players' styles, and stack depth.

Standard CO Opening Range

Below is a typical CO preflop raising range (assuming blinds 1/2, effective stacks 100BB, no special information):

• Strong Pairs: TT+ (pocket tens and above)
• High Cards: AQo+ (A with Q offsuit) and AKo, plus AJs+ (A with J suited)
• Suited Connectors/Suited One‑Gappers: KQs, QJs, JTs, T9s, etc., also A2s‑A5s (small suited aces)
• Some Weak Suited Aces: A6s‑A9s
• Certain Medium Pairs: 88, 99 (sometimes call or raise)
• Some Suited Broadways: KTs, QTs, etc.

Generally, the CO raising range includes about 20%–25% of all starting hands. The exact number depends on the preflop open‑raise size (usually 3–4BB).

Range Example (6‑max, 100BB)

• Raise: TT+, AJo+, ATs+, KQo, KTs+, QJs+, JTs+, T9s+, 98s+, 87s+, 76s+, 65s+, 54s+, and A2s‑A5s
• Call (if there is a limp): Hands slightly weaker than the raising range, such as small pairs (22‑77), but raising or folding is usually preferred.

Adjustment Factors

Blind Player Style

• Tight‑Passive Blinds: Increase stealing frequency; add more marginal hands like KTo, QTo, JTo, etc.
• Aggressive Blinds: Reduce stealing; raise mostly with strong hands to avoid being put in difficult spots by re‑raises.
• Calling Station: Raise for value; cut down on bluffs because they rarely fold.

Stack Depth

• Deep Stacks (>150BB): Increase the proportion of suited connectors and small‑medium pairs due to higher implied odds.
• Short Stacks (<30BB): Tighten the range; use mostly big cards and strong pairs; reduce marginal hands.

Position and Number of Players

• 6‑max: Range is wider (~25%) because blinds are attacked more frequently.
• 9‑handed: Range is slightly tighter (~20%) because more players remain behind.

Practical Tips

1. Isolate Limpers: If someone limps, the CO can raise with a slightly wider range to isolate, especially when the limper is loose.
2. Defend vs. SB 3‑bets: Adjust your calling range based on the opponent's 3‑bet frequency. If the opponent is aggressive, call with more strong hands; if tight, fold most marginal hands.
3. Use Position to Steal: When the Button folds, the CO can directly attack the small and big blinds, but be aware of the blinds' tendency to fight back.
4. Postflop Strategy: The CO has positional advantage postflop, so it can continuation‑bet more aggressively, but pay attention to board texture.

Remember, there is no fixed perfect range. Dynamically adjusting based on opponents' weaknesses and your own image is key to profitability from the CO.