Deep Stacked Cash Game Preflop Strategy: Range Construction and Adjustment Guide

Position Scenario Explanation

In deep-stacked cash games, effective stacks often exceed 100BB, sometimes reaching 200-300BB. With more postflop maneuverability and higher implied odds, preflop strategy needs to emphasize position and playability. Typical scenarios include:

• Unopened pots: Opening raise ranges from each position.
• Facing a raise: Calling or 3-betting ranges.
• Facing a 3-bet: Calling, 4-betting, or folding ranges.

Positions from earliest to latest: UTG, MP, CO, BTN, SB, BB. Earlier positions have tighter ranges, later positions have wider ranges.

Recommended Ranges (Text Description of Hand Types)

Below are typical ranges for 100BB-200BB depth, suitable for most low-to-mid stakes cash games.

Unopened Raise Ranges

• UTG (Under the Gun):

  • Strong pairs: JJ+ (about 3% of hands)
  • Big broadways: AK, AQ (about 1.2%)
  • Medium pairs: TT-99 (about 0.9%)
  • Suited connectors/AXs: Only AQs, AJs, KQs (about 0.6%)
  • Total about 6% of hands.

• MP (Middle Position):

  • All UTG range (about 6%)
  • Add: Medium pairs 88-77, suited connectors T9s-QJs, AJo, ATs, KQo, total about 10-12%.

• CO (Cutoff):

  • All MP range (about 12%)
  • Add: Small pairs 66-22, suited connectors 54s-98s, AXs (e.g., A8s-A2s), KJo, KTo, total about 18-20%.

• BTN (Button):

  • All CO range (about 20%)
  • Add: More suited connectors, all Axo, all suited aces, some offsuit Kx (e.g., K8o+), total about 25-30%.

• SB (Small Blind):

  • Due to positional disadvantage and interaction with BB, range slightly tighter than BTN, about 20-25%.

• BB (Big Blind):

  • Defending range is very wide when facing a raise, but rarely raises voluntarily when unopened; usually checks.

Calling and 3-Betting Ranges When Facing a Raise

• Calling Range:

  • Should include playable hands: suited connectors, small pairs (high implied odds), suited AXs, some medium broadways. Avoid calling with weak offsuit hands, as deep-stacked you may hit two pair or straights, but pot control is crucial.

• 3-Betting Range:

  • Value 3-bet: QQ+, AK; can include TT-JJ, AQ under deep stacks (adjust based on opponent)
  • Bluff 3-bet: Small pairs (55-22), suited connectors (e.g., A5s, KQo can be considered)
  • Note: Under deep stacks, 3-bet bluffs should choose hands with blockers and some playability.

Range Construction Logic

Under deep stacks, the core principle is playability over made hand strength. Suited connectors and small pairs in multiway pots are more likely to hit strong draws or sets, yielding huge value. On the other hand, pairs (especially small ones) have high postflop implied odds, making them suitable for cheap entry.

• Position Value: Later positions can be wider because they have information postflop.
• Implied Odds: The greater the potential profit, the more worthwhile it is to pay a low cost to see the flop.
• Blockers: When 3-betting, prioritize hands that block opponent's strong hands (e.g., using A5s to block AA, AK).

Adjustment Factors

• Opponent Tendencies:
  • Against aggressive players: Tighten opening range, call more with medium hands, use fewer traps.
  • Against passive players: Widen value raises, reduce bluffs.
• Stack Depth:
  • Above 200BB: Add more speculative hands (e.g., 54s), but avoid clashing with very tight ranges.
  • Shallower than 100BB: Range should lean more toward made hands, reduce speculation.
• Table Dynamics:
  • Multiway pots: Tighten openings, increase raise sizes to isolate.
  • Heads-up: Widen ranges.

GTO Reference

Under the GTO framework, preflop ranges should balance value and bluffs, with different strategies for different depths. For example, in deep stacks, GTO recommends more frequent 4-bet bluffs (e.g., with small pairs) to counter opponent's 3-bet range. However, GTO is only a reference; in practice, you can deviate against opponents with poor balance.

Practical Applications

• Position First: Try to enter pots from late positions, especially BTN and CO.
• Avoid Marginal Calls: Under deep stacks, marginal calls can lead to tricky spots, e.g., calling an UTG raise with KJo.
• Use Sizing: When deep, increase raise sizes (e.g., 3-4BB open, 3-bet to about 3x the raise) to control pot and opponent's odds.
• Consider Reverse Implied Odds: E.g., calling with weak Ax may be dominated by higher aces, leading to big losses.

Example (typical situation): On the BTN, effective stack 200BB, folds to CO who raises to 3BB. Possible actions: call or 3-bet. Preferred calling hands: suited connectors (76s+), small pairs (22-88), ATo+. Preferred 3-betting hands: TT+, AQ+, A5s, KQo, etc. Avoid hands like KTo or QJo, which are easily dominated.