CO 25bb Push Fold

Overview

CO 25bb Push Fold refers to a simplified tournament strategy used when the effective stack size is 25 big blinds (bb) and the action folds to the cutoff (CO). At this stack depth, the standard open-raise and postflop play can be replaced by a binary decision: either push all-in (shove) or fold. This approach reduces complexity and helps avoid difficult postflop decisions with a stack that is too small for standard play but too large for ultra-short push/fold ranges.

When to Use

• Effective stack ≤ 25bb: The strategy is most common from 15-25bb, but 25bb is often considered the upper limit where push/fold charts still apply. At exactly 25bb, many players prefer a standard open-raise, but push/fold remains a valid, simpler alternative.
• Late position: CO is the second-last position before the button, so the number of players left to act is small (button, small blind, big blind). This increases the profitability of shoving wider ranges.
• Tournament context: ICM pressure is moderate; the strategy is often used in online SNGs or MTTs when the bubble is distant.

Typical Ranges (Approximate)

Note: Ranges vary based on opponent tendencies, ICM, and table dynamics. The following is a general example for a middle-stage tournament with no significant ICM pressure.

Push (All-in)

• Pocket pairs: 22+ (all pairs)
• Aces: A2s+, ATo+
• Suited connectors: 54s+, except weak ones like 32s
• Offsuit broadways: KTo+, QTo+, JTo may be marginal; often JTo is a fold
• Suited broadways: K9s+, Q9s+, J9s+, T8s+

Fold

• Hand(s like 23o, K2o, Q6o, J7o, T7o, etc.)
• Weak offsuit aces (A2o–A9o are often shoves; borderline A9o is a shove)
• Low offsuit offsuit connectors (e.g., 65o, 76o) unless suited

Adjustments

• Against tight blinds: Widen the shoving range, especially with suited connectors.
• Against loose calling stations: Tighten the shoving range to hands that have good equity vs. a wide calling range.
• ICM pressure: On the bubble or near pay jumps, tighten the shoving range.
• Ante structure: With antes, the pot is larger, so shoving more frequently is profitable.

Relationship to GTO

Push/fold charts are derived from Game Theory Optimal (GTO) solutions for simplified models. At exactly 25bb, GTO often mixes open-raising and limping, but push/fold provides a near-optimal approximation that is easier to memorize and execute.

Common Mistakes

• Shoving too wide: Including hands like K2o or Q4s from CO at 25bb can be -EV against opponents who call properly.
• Folding too often: Missing profitable shoves with hands like A2s or 55.
• Ignoring position: The CO push range should be wider than from UTG but narrower than from the button.

Example

Effective stacks 25bb, all fold to CO. CO holds A♠8♣. According to typical chart, this is a shove (A8o is a clear shove at 25bb). If holding J♦7♦, it is a fold as J7s is not strong enough.

Conclusion

CO 25bb Push Fold is a fundamental tournament strategy that simplifies decision-making at a critical stack depth. By memorizing or referencing a chart, players can avoid common errors and maintain a solid baseline strategy. However, adjustments for opponents and tournament stage are essential for optimal play.