Position Scenario Explanation

The Cutoff (CO) is the position after the hijack and before the button, and it is the last non-blind position that can actively open-raise preflop. Since only the button and blinds are behind the CO, the position advantage is significant, so the opening range can be wider than earlier positions (UTG, MP). In a 6-handed game at standard 100bb depth, the CO is typically considered a middle-late position, offering excellent opportunities for stealing blinds and isolating.

Recommended Range (100bb Standard Game)

Below is a balanced CO open-raise range (approximately 25% of hands), suitable for most small to mid-stakes cash games:

• Strong Hands (3bet/4bet value range front): AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo, and in some cases JJ and AQ (adjust based on opponents)
• Standard Raise Range:
  • All pairs: 22+ (usually 22-66 require consideration of postflop playability)
  • All Ax suited: A2s+ (including A5s etc.)
  • All two high cards: K9s+, Q9s+, J9s+, T9s+ (suited connectors)
  • Some offsuit high cards: ATo+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo
  • Suited connectors: 65s+ (optional from 54s, but usually start from 65s)
  • Suited gappers: J8s, T8s, 98s, 87s, 76s etc. (based on position and table dynamics)

Total about 25-30% of hands, specifically: 22+, A2s+, K9s+, Q9s+, J9s+, T8s+, 98s, 87s, 76s, 65s, ATo+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo

Range Construction Logic

The CO range should be built based on the following principles:

1. Value Extraction: Use position advantage to build pots with strong hands, even if facing a 3bet.
2. Blind Stealing & Isolation: Include enough playable hands to attack the blinds’ (especially SB and BB) defensive tendencies.
3. Defensive Balance: Avoid a range so weak that the button or blinds frequently 3bet exploitatively.
4. Postflop Playability: Prioritize suited hands, connectors, and hands with potential to hit strong draws on the flop.

Adjustment Factors

In actual play, the CO opening range should be dynamically adjusted based on:

• Opponent Types:
  • Button 3bets frequently: Tighten range, fold marginal hands (e.g., JTo, QTo), increase 4bet frequency.
  • Blinds defend tightly: Widen stealing range, add more offsuit high cards and suited gappers.
  • Blinds 3bet frequently: Reduce stealing, re-raise with strong hands.
• Stack Depth:
  • Deep stacks (>150bb): Add more suited connectors to leverage implied odds.
  • Short stacks (<40bb): Reduce marginal hands, favor high cards and pairs.
• Table Dynamics:
  • Many early folds: Can widen range as steal success rate is higher.
  • Multi-way limped pots: Tighten range to avoid entering multi-way pots with weak hands.
• Players Behind: If the button is a tight-passive player, widen range significantly; if the button is a loose-aggressive player, tighten up.

GTO Reference

From a GTO (Game Theory Optimal) perspective, the optimal CO open frequency at 100bb depth is about 25-30%. A typical GTO range includes:

• Raise: About 28% of hands, with a value-to-bluff ratio (stronger than AQ vs. weak suited connectors) around 2:1.
• When facing a 3bet, the CO’s defense frequency should be high enough (about 40-50%), including 4bet (about 10% of range) and calls (about 30-40%).
• Example: Top pair or better (e.g., AA, KK, QQ, AK) 4bet, medium hands like AJs, KQs call, weak hands fold.

Note: GTO ranges are theoretical equilibrium points; in practice, adjust based on opponent deviations, but use them as a foundation.

Practical Application

1. Isolating Limpers: When an earlier player limps, raise to 4bb + 1bb per limper using your standard range to isolate weak players.
2. Steal Sizing: If blinds are tight-passive, use a 3bb open to steal; if blinds are loose-aggressive, raise to 4bb and adjust range accordingly.
3. Responding to 3bets:
   • If the button or a blind 3bets, 4bet with the top 5% of your range, call with the middle 15%, and fold the rest.
   • Example: With ATo facing a 3bet, fold typically; with AQs, call or 4bet.
4. Postflop Strategy:
   • Flop c-bet: On dry boards, c-bet 1/3 pot with your entire range; on wet boards, c-bet with value hands and strong draws.
   • Turn: Adjust based on opponent’s calling range; bluff more on high boards, value bet more on low boards.

Summary

The CO opening range is key to profitability – being too tight loses stealing opportunities, being too loose invites exploitation. By understanding the construction logic, adjustment factors, and GTO basics above, you can dynamically optimize your preflop strategy in the CO based on actual table conditions. Practice consistently, analyze your win/loss data, and adjust to achieve long-term stable profits.