Cold Call from CO

Overview

A cold call from the cutoff (CO) is a specific action in no-limit hold'em and other poker variants. The cutoff is the seat immediately to the right of the button (the dealer). When a player in early or middle position raises, and the CO chooses to call rather than fold or re-raise (3-bet), that call is considered a "cold call" because the CO has not yet invested chips in the current betting round (other than posting the big blind if applicable). This differs from a call from the blinds, which is not a cold call since the blinds have already posted money.

Strategic Implications

Cold calling from the CO is a relatively uncommon play in modern aggressive poker strategies. Typically, players prefer to either 3-bet (re-raise) or fold when facing an open raise, as cold calling often creates difficult post-flop situations. However, there are strategic reasons to cold call from the CO:

• Pot odds and hand strength: If the raise is small and the CO holds a hand that plays well multi-way (e.g., suited connectors, small pairs), cold calling can be profitable, especially if the blinds are likely to come along, increasing the pot size.
• Deception: By just calling, the CO may induce the blinds to enter or encourage the original raiser to play more straightforwardly post-flop.
• Positional advantage: The CO retains position over the original raiser (who will act first post-flop) but is out of position relative to the button if the button also calls. This mixed positional dynamic makes post-flop play complex.

Common Scenarios

Typical spots where a cold call from the CO may be considered:

• The open raise is from a loose player in early position, and the CO has a hand like 7♠8♠ or 5♦5♣.
• The raise size is small (e.g., 2 big blinds) and the blinds are likely to call, creating a multi-way pot with good implied odds.
• The CO has a strong but vulnerable hand (e.g., A♠J♠) and wants to avoid being 4-bet by the original raiser if they 3-bet.

Risks and Considerations

• Range face-up: Calling reveals some information—the CO likely does not hold premium hands (which would usually 3-bet) nor complete trash (which would fold).
• Blinds squeezing: If the blinds are aggressive, they may 3-bet (squeeze play), forcing the CO to fold or call a larger bet out of position.
• Post-flop difficulty: The CO will have to play a multi-way pot with moderate hand strength, often facing tough decisions on later streets.

In summary, cold calling from the CO is a situational play that requires careful consideration of stack sizes, opponent tendencies, and hand strength. It is generally less common in high-stakes games but can be a useful tool in a balanced strategy.