CO Fold to Steal

Overview

CO Fold to Steal is a key statistic in poker tracking software (e.g., Hold'em Manager, PokerTracker) used to analyze a player's tendency to fold when facing a steal attempt from late position. It specifically refers to the cutoff (CO) position, which is one seat to the right of the button. The statistic is calculated as the number of times the CO folds to a steal raise divided by the total opportunities to face a steal raise in that position.

Context and Usage

In no-limit hold'em cash games or tournaments, the cutoff is a profitable position to open-raise due to its late position relative to the blinds. However, when the cutoff is facing a steal from the button or small blind (the most common stealer positions), the statistic indicates how often the cutoff surrenders their blinds or antes without contesting the pot.

A high CO Fold to Steal suggests the player is overly passive, potentially exploitable by frequent stealing from later positions. Conversely, a low fold-to-steal indicates the player defends their cutoff range aggressively, either by calling or 3-betting. Typical values vary by game type and stakes, but a common benchmark is around 70-85% for tight players, while aggressive defenders may have 50-65%.

Strategic Implications

• Exploiting a high fold-to-steal: If an opponent in the cutoff folds too often to steals, you can profitably steal from the button with a wide range, even weak hands, because they are likely to fold.
• Exploiting a low fold-to-steal: Against a cutoff who defends frequently, you should tighten your stealing range and value-raise stronger hands, as they will call or re-raise with marginal holdings.
• Balancing your own statistic: To avoid being exploited, a player should adjust their defend range based on opponent tendencies. A well-balanced cutoff player will have a fold-to-steal that is neither too high nor too low, typically around 70-75% against aggressive stealers.

Related Concepts

• Steal: A raise from late position (button, cutoff, or small blind) aiming to win the blinds and antes without a fight.
• Fold to Steal (FTS): A general statistic for any position, measuring how often a player folds to a steal raise when in the blinds or early position.
• Call to Steal / Raise to Steal: Alternative defense statistics indicating how often a player calls or re-raises instead of folding.
• Position: The cutoff is a late position, but it is not the last position; the button is the most advantageous stealing position.

Limitations

Like all HUD stats, CO Fold to Steal requires a sufficient sample size (ideally hundreds of opportunities) to be reliable. It does not account for stack sizes, player tendencies, or table dynamics, so it should be used in conjunction with other stats (e.g., 3-bet percentage, aggression factor) for a complete picture.