CO Open Raise
CO Open Raise
In poker, a CO Open Raise is the first raise made by a player in the cutoff position (the seat to the right of the button) when no other player has entered the pot with a raise, typically used to steal blinds or start building a pot with a strong range.
Overview
The CO Open Raise refers to the action of raising when in the cutoff (CO) position, with no prior raise or limp from other players. The cutoff is the seat directly to the right of the dealer button, considered a late position. Opening from the CO is profitable because the remaining players (button, small blind, big blind) act after you, giving you position if they call.
Strategic Considerations
- Range: The CO open-raising range is wider than earlier positions but tighter than the button. A typical range includes top pairs, suited connectors, small pairs, and suited aces. Exact ranges depend on stack sizes and opponent tendencies.
- Blind Stealing: CO open raises often target the blinds, especially tight players. A standard raise size is 2.5–3 big blinds (BB) in cash games, and 2–2.5 BB in tournaments with antes.
- Responding to 3-bets: When 3-bet, the CO should defend with a polarized range of strong hands and some bluffs. The continuation frequency adjusts based on opponent's 3-bet tendency.
Positional Advantage
Being in late position allows the CO to play more hands profitably. After the flop, the CO acts behind the blinds and often ahead of the button if the button folds. This positional edge enables better value betting and bluffing decisions.
Common Mistakes
- Opening too wide: Against aggressive 3-bettors, a wide CO range can be exploited. Adjust by tightening if opponents 3-bet frequently.
- Inconsistent sizing: Using different raise sizes with different hand strengths leaks information. Use a consistent size to avoid giving tells.
GTO and Exploitative Adjustments
Game Theory Optimal (GTO) suggests a balanced CO opening range that includes both value and bluff hands. Against weak opponents, exploit by opening wider when blinds are tight and folding more to 3-bets from aggressive players.
Usage Example
In a 6-max cash game (blinds $1/$2), a player in the CO with A♠5♠ raises to $6 (3 BB). All fold to the big blind who calls. Flop comes K♠7♦2♣. The CO can c-bet representing a king or flush draw, leveraging position.