Cutoff Opening Range Guide

Position Overview

The Cutoff (CO) is the position to the right of the Button (BTN). In a 9-handed table, it is typically the 7th position to act. Key characteristics of the CO:

• Information advantage: Observing the actions of earlier positions (UTG to MP) before acting allows for a more accurate assessment of pot odds.
• Position advantage: Better control of the pot postflop compared to earlier positions, and can balance ranges against the Button.
• Steal opportunities: Facing the blinds, especially the small and big blind, the CO has room to steal.

Recommended Range

Below is a standard opening range for the CO in a deep-stacked (100BB) scenario with no prior raises. Shown by hand type:

• Strong pairs: JJ+ (approx. 2.3% of hands)
• High cards: AQo+, AKo, ATs+, KJs+ (approx. 4.5%)
• Medium pairs: 77-TT (approx. 3%)
• Suited connectors: T9s-65s, T8s-75s (approx. 4%)
• Suited aces and suited kings: A5s-A2s, K9s-K7s (approx. 2%), A9s-A6s (approx. 1.5%)
• Gapped suited: QTs, J9s, T8s, 98s, 87s, 76s (approx. 2.5%)
• Two high card offsuit combos: KTo, QTo, JTo (approx. 2%)
• Partial suited hands: A4s, A3s, K8s, Q9s (approx. 1.5%)
• Total: Approximately 19-22% of hands. The exact range can be adjusted based on opponents.

Note: This range is a basic guideline. Actual use should be fine-tuned based on table dynamics.

Range Construction Logic

Core principles for constructing a CO range:

1. Positional value: The CO has more postflop information than earlier positions, allowing a wider range with more speculative hands (e.g., suited connectors).
2. Steal incentive: When the blinds defend tightly, the CO can apply pressure with more medium-strength hands (e.g., KTo, QTo).
3. Balance pressure: Avoid a polarized range (only strong hands and pure garbage). Include medium-strength hands to remain unpredictable.
4. Pot odds: With no prior raise, the pot is small, making the raise cost relatively low and allowing more frequent entries.

Adjustment Factors

• Opponent type: If blinds are tight-passive (fold-prone), increase stealing frequency by adding more marginal hands (e.g., A4s, JTo). If blinds are loose-aggressive, tighten the range and focus on strong hands and suited connectors.
• Stack depth: In deep stacks (>100BB), suited connectors and small to medium pairs gain value; play more of them. In short stacks (<50BB), reduce speculative hands and focus on high pairs and high cards.
• Number of limpers: If multiple limpers are in front, the CO raise should be stronger. Tighten the range to strong hands to avoid dilution in multiway pots.
• Button tendencies: If the button 3-bets frequently, reduce raising frequency and increase the 4-bet range (JJ+, AK).

GTO Reference

In a near-GTO strategy, the CO opening raise frequency is about 20-25%, with the raise size usually 3-3.5 BB (no limpers). The range should include:

• Value portion: Top 5% of strong hands (AA-QQ, AKs, AKo) to defend against 3-bets.
• Defense portion: Medium pairs and suited connectors to protect equity.
• Balance portion: Some weak suited aces and gapped suited hands to prevent easy exploitation.

GTO is not a fixed formula but a balance of frequencies and hand combos. In practice, simplify with:

• Against a 3-bet, reassess hand equity and defend with about 30% of your range (including 4-bets and calls).
• Postflop, adjust bet sizing based on board texture: smaller bets on dry flops, larger bets on wet flops.

Practical Application

• Common mistakes: Range too wide (>30%) or too narrow (<15%), leading to predictability or excessive 3-bets.
• Stealing tips: When blinds are weak, raise with hands like A3s, K8s. If called, use postflop position advantage.
• Responding to 3-bets: If the button or blinds 3-bet frequently, tighten your opening range and consider 4-betting with position (primarily AA, KK, AK).
• Multiway pots: With multiple limpers, avoid raising weak suited connectors. Consider medium pairs or strong high cards to isolate.

Example: At a 9-handed table, all fold to the CO holding K♠Q♠. You can raise to 3 BB. Only the big blind calls. Flop: J♥T♣5♦. Use your position and straight draw advantage to continue betting.