Poker Term

CO 100bb Resteal

CO 100bb Resteal

A 3-bet from the cutoff position with an effective stack of 100 big blinds, aimed at countering a perceived steal attempt, usually from the button or small blind.

Overview

A CO 100bb Resteal refers to a re-raise (3-bet) made from the cutoff position when the effective stack size is 100 big blinds. This play is a counter-strategy against a player who opens from a later position, typically the button or small blind, with a wide range intended to steal the blinds. The cutoff, being the seat directly to the right of the button, is in a strong position to re-steal because it acts after the open-raiser preflop but before the blinds.

Key Concepts

Position and Stack Depth

  • The cutoff (CO) is the second-best position at a full ring table, only behind the button.
  • A 100bb stack is considered "deep" by modern poker standards, allowing for post-flop play with implied odds. However, in the context of a resteal, the 3-bet sizing is typically large (3–4x the open raise) to discourage calls and maximize fold equity.
  • The rest of the players (button, blinds) still act after the CO, meaning the CO must be wary of 4-bets or calls from strong hands.

When to Use a Resteal

  • The ideal target is an opponent who opens frequently from late position (e.g., >40% on the button).
  • The CO should have a balanced range that includes both value hands (e.g., TT+, AQ+) and bluffs (e.g., suited connectors, Axs).
  • A common mistake is to resteal with marginal hands like K9o or QTo, which play poorly against 4-bets and have reverse implied odds when called.

Strategy Considerations

FactorRecommendation
Open sizeIf the open is small (2–2.5bb), resteal can be effective. Larger opens (>3bb) signal strength and reduce fold equity.
Opponent tendenciesResteal more against aggressive stealer, less against tight or passive players.
BlindsIf blinds are tight, resteal becomes more profitable because they are less likely to wake up with a hand.
Your imageIf you have been folding to steals, a resteal is more believable. If you have been 3-betting frequently, expect more 4-bets.

Sizing

  • Standard 3-bet size in this spot: 3x the open (e.g., if BTN opens to 2.5bb, CO raises to 7.5–8.5bb).
  • Against a min-raise (2bb), a raise to 6–7bb is common.
  • At 100bb stacks, avoid going over 4x to keep pot control post-flop if called.

Example Scenario

Full ring, blinds 0.5/1. Effective stacks 100bb.

  • Fold to CO: A♠ 8♠.
  • BTN (known stealer, VPIP 45% on BTN) opens to 2.5bb.
  • CO raises to 8bb as a resteal.
  • BTN folds. CO wins 3.5bb uncontested.

This play is profitable if BTN folds >60% of the time. With a standard BTN opening range of 40–50%, the resteal yields immediate profit.

Drawbacks and Risks

  • 4-bet threat: A tight or observant opponent may 4-bet, forcing CO to fold most of his resteal bluffs.
  • Cold call from blinds: If a blind has a strong hand, they can trap.
  • Post-flop difficulties: If called, CO is out of position against the BTN or in position against a blind, but with a weaker range.

Conclusion

CO 100bb resteal is a powerful tool in a well-rounded strategy, but it requires careful opponent selection and balanced ranges. At 100bb, it's more about fold equity than post-flop play, so prioritize players with high steal rates and avoid overusing it against capable opponents.

Related Terms

StealSteal3BET3BETCutoffCutoffPositionPosition