CO PFR

What is CO PFR?

CO PFR stands for "Cutoff Preflop Raise" and is a poker statistic commonly used in online tracking software (e.g., PokerTracker, Hold'em Manager). It measures the percentage of hands a player raises when they are the first to act in the pot from the cutoff position. The cutoff is the seat immediately to the right of the dealer button (in 6-max games) or two seats to the right (in full-ring). This stat is a subset of overall PFR but is position-specific.

Importance in Poker Strategy

The cutoff is considered one of the most profitable positions at the table because it acts after most opponents but still has the button to its left. A player's CO PFR reveals how aggressively they play from this advantageous seat. A high CO PFR (e.g., 25-30% in 6-max) indicates a player who raises a wide range, exploiting position to steal blinds and apply pressure. A low CO PFR (e.g., under 15%) suggests a tighter, more passive approach, often missing value.

How CO PFR is Calculated

CO PFR = (Number of preflop raises from CO) / (Number of opportunities to raise from CO) × 100. It only counts hands where the player is the first to voluntarily put money into the pot (i.e., they open-raise). Cold calls or limp-reraises are not included unless they constitute a raise after limping. Opportunities are hands where no one else has raised before the player's action.

Typical Ranges

• Tight-aggressive (TAG) player: 15-20% CO PFR in 6-max, slightly lower in full-ring.
• Loose-aggressive (LAG) player: 25-35% or higher in 6-max.
• Nit: Under 10% in any format.
• Passive fish: Often single-digit, preferring limps.

Note that these numbers depend on the game type (cash vs. tournament) and opponent tendencies. In tournaments with deep stacks, ranges may widen; with short stacks, they tighten.

Adjusting to Opponent's CO PFR

• Against high CO PFR: 3-bet more frequently from the blinds or button, as their range is wide. Avoid flat-calling with marginal hands out of position.
• Against low CO PFR: Respect their raises, fold more often from blinds, and avoid bluff-catching with weak pairs. Their range is strong, so 3-betting light is dangerous.
• In heads-up pots: If the cutoff raises and the button folds, the blinds should defend tighter vs. a low PFR and wider vs. a high PFR.

Limitations

CO PFR alone doesn't tell the whole story. A player might have a high PFR but fold to 3-bets too often, making them exploitable. Conversely, a low PFR could indicate selective aggression post-flop. Combine CO PFR with other stats like CO VPIP (voluntary put money in pot), fold to 3-bet, and post-flop aggression frequency to build a complete profile.

Example Usage

"Villain has a CO PFR of 28%, which is quite loose. I'll 3-bet him with a polarized range including some suited connectors to put pressure on his wide opening range."

"Hero's CO PFR is only 12%, meaning he is likely missing profitable steals. He should add hands like suited aces and small pairs to his CO opening range."

In summary, CO PFR is a key positional stat that helps players gauge an opponent's preflop aggression from one of the most powerful seats at the table.