100bb Steal

Overview

A 100bb Steal refers to a raise intended to steal the blinds and antes when the effective stack depth is around 100 big blinds. This is common in cash games and tournament play where players have a full buy-in stack. The term emphasizes that the stack size influences the stealing strategy, as deeper stacks require adjustments compared to shorter stacks.

Stack Depth Considerations

At 100bb, the risk-to-reward ratio is favorable for stealing because the raise size (typically 2.5–3bb) is small relative to the stack. However, deeper stacks also mean opponents can defend more liberally with speculative hands, knowing they have implied odds to outplay the stealer postflop. Therefore, a 100bb steal should be executed with a range that is strong enough to handle calls and raises, but still wide enough to profit from folding equity.

Typical Stealing Range

In a standard 6-max cash game with 100bb stacks, a typical steal range from the button might include:

• All pairs (22+)
• All suited aces (A2s+)
• Offsuit aces down to A9o
• Broadway combinations (KQ, KJ, QJ, etc.)
• Some suited connectors (e.g., 98s, 87s)

From the cutoff, the range is slightly tighter, and from the small blind it is wider due to position disadvantage. The exact range adjusts based on opponent tendencies and table dynamics.

Responding to Steals

When facing a 100bb steal, defenders (big blind and occasional small blind) have several options:

• Fold: If holding weak hands without playability.
• Call: With hands that have implied odds (suited connectors, low pairs) or that can flop well.
• 3-bet: With value hands (AA, KK, AK) and sometimes as a bluff with hands like A5s or suited disconnected cards.

At 100bb, flat calling is more viable than at shorter stacks because postflop skill edge matters more. However, 3-betting is also common to punish loose stealers.

Strategic Adjustments

• Against tight opponents: Widen steal range, but be prepared to fold to 3-bets unless holding strong hands.
• Against aggressive 3-bettors: Tighten stealing range and consider 4-betting or folding more.
• Exploitative play: If the big blind folds too much, steal with any two cards. If they 3-bet too much, tighten and perhaps 4-bet jam with value.

Related Concepts

• Minimum Defense Frequency (MDF): The concept applies equally at 100bb; the big blind should defend enough to prevent the steal from being instantly profitable.
• Effective Stack Size: At stacks significantly shallower (e.g., 30bb), stealing strategy changes dramatically due to all-in dynamics.
• Range Construction: Modern GTO solutions suggest different steal sizes and frequencies depending on stack depth and position.

Conclusion

Mastering the 100bb steal is fundamental for a balanced preflop strategy. It requires understanding how stack depth affects both stealing and defending ranges, and adjusting based on opponent behavior. While the basic premise remains constant—raise to win blinds—the execution varies widely across different stack sizes and game formats.