Cutoff
关煞位
Context: Poker term: 关煞位 (Cutoff) Cutoff (abbreviated as CO) is the position immediately to the right of the Button in Texas Hold'em, i.e., the sixth position to act at a nine-handed table. Its core meaning is "the second-to-last player to act." Preflop, it has the second-best positional advantage after the button, allowing you to observe all other players' actions except the button's before making a decision. In practice, the Cutoff is an aggressive position suitable for raising with a wide range or stealing the blinds, because after the button, only the small blind and big blind remain to act, and the button may fold to protect their blind. At the same time, a Cutoff player must be wary of a re-raise from the button and use their positional advantage to control the pot postflop.
Context: Poker term article: Cutoff
Position Overview
Cutoff (abbreviated as CO) is the first position to the right of the Button in Texas Hold'em, and is generally considered the third-best seat at the table (behind the Button and the Hijack to the left of the Button). In a nine-handed full ring game, CO acts third (in clockwise order: SB, BB, UTG, UTG+1, UTG+2, LJ, HJ, CO, BTN).
Strategic Significance
The CO position offers significant strategic advantages:
- Information advantage: Before the flop, CO can observe the actions of all preceding players, allowing for more informed decisions.
- Blind-stealing opportunities: Since only the Button, Small Blind, and Big Blind act after CO, CO can raise with a wider range, especially when the Button and blinds are passive.
- Positional advantage: Post-flop, CO has position over the Small Blind and Big Blind, but is at a disadvantage relative to the Button.
Typical Starting Hand Range
The starting hand range for the CO position is typically wider than early positions (UTG, MP) but slightly tighter than the Button. A typical range includes:
- All pairs (22+)
- All suited connectors (e.g., 54s+)
- All Ax suited (A2s+)
- All high cards (ATo+, KJo+, QJo+)
- Some suited gappers (e.g., K9s, Q9s)
Specific ranges should be adjusted based on opponent tendencies and stack depth.
Post-Flop Strategy
CO should leverage positional advantage post-flop:
- Continuation bet (C-bet) frequency is typically high, especially when the flop favors CO's range.
- Be cautious when facing raises or re-raises from the Button, as Button holds ultimate position.
- In multi-way pots, CO should focus more on pot control and hand value.
Related Terms
- Button: The position to the right of CO, offering the best position.
- Hijack: The position to the left of CO, i.e., the second seat to the right of the Button.
- Early Position: Includes UTG, UTG+1, etc., with significant positional disadvantage.
- Steal: A common CO strategy to raise with a wide range in an attempt to take down the blinds.