CO VPIP
CO VPIP
CO VPIP is the percentage of hands a player voluntarily puts money into the pot (by calling or raising) when in the cutoff position, excluding forced blinds.
Overview
CO VPIP stands for Cutoff Voluntarily Put Money In Pot. It is a key poker statistic used to measure a player's preflop looseness or tightness specifically from the cutoff position. VPIP is calculated as (Number of hands in which the player voluntarily put money in pot) / (Total number of hands played in that position) × 100%. The cutoff (CO) is the seat immediately to the right of the button, often a highly profitable position due to its late position and ability to steal blinds.
Interpretation
A low CO VPIP (e.g., below 15%) indicates a tight player who only enters pots with strong hands from the cutoff. A high CO VPIP (e.g., above 35%) suggests a loose player who plays many hands, often including marginal holdings. Typical tight-aggressive (TAG) players have a CO VPIP around 18–25%, while loose-aggressive (LAG) players may show 28–40%. Extremes exist: a nit might have CO VPIP under 12%, while a maniac could exceed 50%.
Usage
CO VPIP is used in conjunction with other stats like PFR (preflop raise percentage) and 3-bet percentage to understand a player's strategy. For example, if CO VPIP is 25% and PFR is 20%, the player is raising most of the hands they play, indicating aggressive play. If VPIP is 30% but PFR is 10%, they are calling more than raising, suggesting a passive or trappy style. Stat tracking software like PokerTracker or Hold'em Manager displays these stats in a HUD (heads-up display).
Strategic Implications
Against a player with a high CO VPIP, you can exploit them by 3-betting wider when you are in position (e.g., on the button) because they are entering with many weak hands. Conversely, against a very low CO VPIP, you can steal their blinds more often since they fold frequently from the cutoff. However, adjust for sample size: a small number of hands (e.g., <100) makes the stat unreliable.
Typical Ranges by Game Type
In 6-max cash games, cutoff open-raising ranges often correspond to a VPIP of 20–30%. In full-ring (9-handed), the range tightens to 15–25% because there are more players left to act. In tournaments with antes, VPIP from the cutoff may increase because of the extra dead money. Always consider the player's overall style and table dynamics.
Limitations
CO VPIP alone does not account for postflop skill or tendencies like check-raise frequencies. It also lumps together calls and raises; a player who limps often may have a higher VPIP but be weak. Use it as one of several stats for a complete picture.