BTN 100bb Resteal
BTN 100bb Resteal
A 3-bet from the button against a late-position open raiser when both players have 100 big blind effective stacks, aiming to exploit the opener's wide range and positional disadvantage.
Overview
A BTN 100bb Resteal refers to a three-bet (3-bet) made from the button against an open raise, typically from the cutoff or hijack, when effective stacks are 100 big blinds. The button is the most profitable position post-flop, and a resteal here capitalizes on the opener's likely wide range and the fact that the button can apply maximum pressure pre-flop while retaining positional advantage if called.
Strategy Considerations
Fold Equity
With 100bb stacks, a standard 3-bet size is around 9-12bb. The opener must defend often enough to prevent the button from profitably restealing with any two cards. Against a typical cutoff open of 3bb, a 3-bet to 9bb needs to succeed about 67% of the time to be immediately profitable (assuming no post-flop play). However, the button's actual range should be stronger due to the risk of getting called or 4-bet.
Optimal Restealing Range
A balanced BTN resteal range at 100bb might include:
- Value hands: TT+, AQ+ (for strong hands that can call a 4-bet or play a pot).
- Bluffs: suited aces (A2s-A5s), suited connectors (T9s, 98s), and some offsuit broadways (KJo, QTo) that block the opener's continuing range.
Stack Depth Implications
At 100bb, post-flop play is deep enough for both players to maneuver. The button must be cautious with marginal hands against opponents who call 3-bets wide or 4-bet aggressively. Against a tight opponent, the remainder of the range can be more bluffs; against a loose 4-bettor, tighten up.
Example
In a 6-max game, the cutoff opens to 3bb with 100bb effective. You are on the button. Typical resteal hands: AQo (value), 99 (thin value), A5s (bluff). If you hold A5s, you 3-bet to 9bb. The cutoff folds; if they call, you have a suited ace with post-flop playability. If they 4-bet, you fold unless you have a strong read.
Adjustments
- Versus a loose opener: Widen your resteal range, but reduce bluff frequency if they call 3-bets lightly.
- Versus a tight opener: Tighten your range but increase bluff frequency if they fold too much.
- Versus a frequent 4-bettor: Narrow your resteal to value hands and avoid bluffs; consider 5-bet jamming with premium hands.
In summary, the BTN 100bb resteal is a powerful tool when used with correct frequencies and range construction, exploiting the opener's weakness while leveraging positional advantage.