CO 20bb Push Fold

Overview

The CO 20bb Push Fold strategy is a common approach in no-limit hold'em tournaments (and occasionally cash games) when a player in the cutoff (CO) position has a stack size of about 20 big blinds (bb). At this stack depth, standard raises become awkward: a 2.5bb open commits a significant portion of the stack, leaving the player pot-committed on many flops and limiting postflop play. Instead, many players simplify by adopting a push-or-fold strategy: they either go all-in or fold preflop. This approach reduces difficult decisions postflop and maximizes fold equity.

Why 20bb?

Around 20bb, the effective stack-to-pot ratio is low. A standard open raise (e.g., 2.5bb) leaves roughly 17.5bb behind. If called, the pot on the flop will be around 5.5bb, and an opponent's flop bet often forces the player to commit the remaining stack or fold. By pushing, the player applies maximum pressure on opponents and avoids being outplayed on later streets. The 20bb threshold is not strict; some players adopt push-fold from 15-25bb depending on table dynamics and tournament stage.

Typical Ranges

A common CO 20bb push range includes:

• Strong hands: Any pair (22+), A-x (A2o+), broadways (KTo+, QTo+, JTo)
• Suited connectors: Some suited connectors like 87s+, T9s
• Marginal hands: Usually folded: weak offsuit aces (A2o-A5o may be marginal), low suited gappers, and unsuited non-broadway cards

Conversely, the fold range consists of hands that perform poorly against calling ranges (e.g., K2o, Q5o, 72o). The exact range depends on the opponents' calling tendencies and ICM considerations.

Adjustments

• Against tight callers: Widen the push range to include more marginal hands, because opponents fold often.
• Against loose callers: Tighten the range to only premium hands (JJ+, AK) or hands with strong equity against a wide calling range.
• ICM pressure: In tournaments near the money or with pay jumps, the push range may tighten because the risk of busting outweighs the reward.
• Position: CO is one position before the button, so there are still three players to act (BTN, SB, BB). Their calling ranges are generally tighter than those of earlier positions, allowing a slightly wider push than from UTG or MP.

Comparison with Other Positions

• Button (BTN): With the same stack, BTN can push wider because fewer players remain.
• Small blind (SB): When folding is an option, SB push ranges are often tighter due to being out of position postflop if called.
• Big blind (BB): The BB never pushes first; they defend against pushes.

Limitations

Push/fold is a simplification. Skilled players may deviate by min-raising or limp-shoving to exploit specific opponents. Additionally, in cash games, deeper stacks make push/fold rare; it is most common in tournament short-stack scenarios.

Related Terms

• Push/Fold: A binary preflop strategy where the only actions are all-in or fold.
• Short Stack Strategy: Play style for stacks under 30bb, often involving push/fold.
• CO (Cutoff): The seat one position to the right of the button.
• BB (Big Blind): The position that posts the big blind; also a unit of measurement for stack size.
• ICM (Independent Chip Model): A model used to evaluate tournament equity, influencing push/fold decisions.
• Fold Equity: The chance that a bet or raise causes opponents to fold.