100bb Resteal

Definition

A 100bb Resteal is a specific type of bluff or semi-bluff 3-bet executed from the small or big blind against an open raise from a late position (cutoff, button, or small blind) when both players have roughly 100 big blinds (bb) in effective stack depth. The term emphasizes the stack size because the strategic implications change significantly compared to shallower or deeper stacks.

Context and Purpose

In no-limit hold'em, players in late position often open-raise with a wide range to steal the blinds. A resteal from the blinds aims to punish such light opens by forcing the original raiser to fold. At 100bb, the raiser's stack is deep enough that they cannot commit to the pot without a strong hand, yet not so deep that they can easily call with marginal hands profitably. This balance makes the 100bb resteal a powerful weapon in a balanced blind defense strategy.

Strategy Considerations

• Hand Selection: Restealing hands typically include suited connectors (e.g., 76s), small pairs (22-66), or weak aces (A2s-A5s). These hands have playability if called but also fold equity. The exact range depends on the opponent's fold-to-3-bet tendency.
• Position: The out-of-position disadvantage (OOP) is significant—the restealer will act first postflop. Therefore, the 3-bet size should be large enough to deny the raiser good odds to call (typically 3-4x the initial raise plus some adjustment for stack depth).
• Opponent Tendencies: Target players who open too wide or fold too often to 3-bets. Against tight raisers, restealing becomes less profitable.
• Risk vs. Reward: Successfully folding the raiser wins 4.5bb (the initial raise + blinds). If called, the restealer usually needs to c-bet on favorable flops to continue the bluff or hit a strong hand.

Example

Situation: £0.50/£1.00 cash game, effective stacks £100. Button opens to £3. You are in the big blind with 7♦6♦. You 3-bet to £11 (a typical 100bb resteal size). If the button folds, you win £4.50 risk-free. If called, you have a hand with good flop potential.

Related Concepts

• Stealing: Opening from late position with a wide range to win blinds.
• Fold Equity: The probability that a raise or re-raise causes opponents to fold—crucial for resteal profitability.
• 3-Bet: A re-raise (third raise in the sequence) after an initial raise and a re-raise would be a 4-bet.
• Effective Stack: The smaller of the two players' stacks, determining maximum risk.
• Blind Defense: Actions from blinds to protect against steals; restealing is an aggressive defense.

Conclusion

The 100bb resteal is a staple of modern no-limit hold'em strategy, requiring an understanding of opponents' ranges, fold equity, and postflop play. Overuse can be exploited, so it must be balanced with a range of premium hands for value.