STRATEGY article: Cutoff Position Opening Range

Definition and Advantages of the Cutoff (CO)

The Cutoff (CO) is the position to the right of the button (BTN) in the preflop action order. Since the CO acts last before the button and the button acts after, the CO has a significant information advantage preflop: you can observe the actions of earlier players and then decide on your strategy. Additionally, after the CO, only the button and small blind remain. Postflop, you will have positional advantage (if the button folds, you act first postflop; but if the button calls or raises, you will be out of position postflop). Therefore, the CO is a highly profitable position, and its opening range is typically wider than the middle position but slightly tighter than the button.

Standard CO Opening Range

In a typical 6-max game, the standard CO opening raise range is about 25%-30% of hands. Below is a common example of a CO opening range (assuming effective stack of 100BB, no special opponent information):

• Strong hands (value raises): AA, KK, QQ, JJ, TT, AK, AQ, AJs, ATs, KQs, KJs, QJs, JTs
• Medium hands: 99, 88, 77, 66, A9s-A2s, K9s, Q9s, J9s, T9s, 98s, 87s, 76s, ATo, KTo, QTo, JTo
• Some bluffs/thin value: 55, 44, 33, 22, AJo, KJo, QJo, and some suited connectors like 65s, 54s

In a full-ring game (9-handed), due to more players in early positions, the CO range should be tightened to about 20%-25%. Remove the weakest suited connectors and marginal offsuit hands.

Adjustment Factors

1. Opponent Types

• Against tight-aggressive players: Tighten the range to avoid being trapped by re-raises.
• Against loose-passive players: Raise more marginal hands and leverage postflop skills.
• Against aggressive players: Reduce weak hands and favor value raises and 4-bet.

2. Stack Depth

• Deep stacks (>100BB): Moderately increase the proportion of suited connectors and small pairs to hit sets or draws.
• Short stacks (<40BB): Focus on strong hands and reduce weak hands to avoid mistakes after being shoved.

3. Actions from Early Positions

• If someone limps in early position, the CO should raise wider, especially against limpers, often raising about 30% of hands.
• If all early players fold, the CO can raise with the standard range.

4. Blind Position Tendencies

• If the small blind and big blind frequently 3-bet, the CO should reduce marginal hands and prepare a 4-bet bluff range.
• If the blinds call a lot, the CO can raise more suited connectors to hit strong hands postflop.

Basic Postflop Strategy

After the CO raises, two main scenarios typically occur:

Scenario 1: Only the Blinds Call

• Postflop, you have positional advantage (if the button folded). You should c-bet about 65-75% of the time, with a range including top pair or better, draws, and some completely missed hands (as bluffs).
• On dry boards (e.g., K-7-2), bet small (1/3 pot). On wet boards (e.g., 9-8-6), bet large (2/3 pot or more).

Scenario 2: The Button Calls or 3-bet

• If the button calls, you are out of position postflop, so proceed cautiously. Typically, reduce c-bet frequency, prioritize betting strong hands, and check weak hands.
• If the button 3-bets, you need to decide whether to call or 4-bet. For most medium-strength hands, calling is viable; for very strong hands (AA, KK), you can 4-bet.

Common Mistakes and Advice

1. CO range too tight: Many players are overly conservative in the CO, missing opportunities to steal blinds and leverage position. Remember, the CO is the last position where you can actively raise, so use it aggressively.
2. Too many continuation bets postflop: Especially in multi-way pots or out of position, excessive c-bet leads to losses. Learn to check and fold weak hands.
3. Ignoring blind 3-bet tendencies: If the blinds frequently 3-bet, adjust your opening range by reducing weak hands and increasing 4-bet bluffs.

In summary, the CO is a highly profitable position in No-Limit Texas Hold'em. By mastering the appropriate opening range and making flexible adjustments, you can build an advantage preflop and lay a solid foundation for postflop decisions.