CO 10bb Resteal
CO 10bb Resteal
A resteal from the cutoff position with approximately 10 big blinds effective stack, typically an all-in raise over a late-position open, aimed at forcing the original raiser to fold.
Overview
CO 10bb Resteal is a tournament poker strategy used by short stacks (around 10 big blinds) when seated in the cutoff (CO). The player reraises (usually all-in) over an opponent's open raise, exploiting the fact that late-position raisers often have a wide range and may fold to a shove. This play leverages fold equity combined with decent hand equity when called.
Concept
At 10bb, a stack is too short to flat-call or make a standard 3-bet; the optimal play is shove or fold. The CO position offers good steal opportunities because it is one off the button and often faces opens from the hijack (HJ) or button (BTN). A resteal works best when the opener has a high fold-to-3-bet tendency and is opening a wide range from late position. The restealer's range should include hands that retain equity when called (e.g., suited connectors, low pairs, Ax) but not premium hands that would prefer a call or smaller raise.
Range Considerations
A typical CO 10bb resteal range might include:
Premium hands (TT+, AK) are better played by flatting or min-raising to induce action. The exact range adjusts based on opponent's opening range and tendencies.
Example
In a tournament, blinds 500/1000, ante 100. Effective stacks 10,000 (10bb). A loose-aggressive player opens to 2,200 from the hijack. You are in the cutoff with 7♠6♠. You shove 10,000. The opener folds, and you win the pot without showdown.
Advantages & Risks
- Advantage: High fold equity allows winning chips without contest; even if called, your hand often has 30-40% equity.
- Risk: If the opener is trapping with a big hand or has a calling range that dominates your hand, you may be eliminated. Also, restealing too often widens your range, inviting opponents to adjust.
Strategic Notes
- Use this play against frequent openers, especially from late position.
- Avoid contrestealing against opponents who rarely fold to 3-bets.
- ICM implications in final table situations may call for tighter ranges.