Fold to Steal from HJ
Fold to Steal from HJ
Fold to Steal from HJ measures the frequency with which a player folds their blind when facing a raise from the hijack (HJ) position, typically in a full-ring or 6-max game.
Overview
Fold to Steal from HJ is a poker tracking statistic that quantifies a player's tendency to fold their big blind or small blind when the hijack position opens with a raise. In online poker, most tracking software (e.g., PokerTracker, Hold'em Manager) tracks this stat separately for each position making the steal. The HJ is the cutoff's immediate right and a common stealing position in late-stage tournaments or cash games.
Interpretation
A high Fold to Steal from HJ (e.g., >80%) indicates a player is overly tight and may be exploited by frequent steals from the HJ. Conversely, a low stat (e.g., <40%) suggests the player defends aggressively, often calling or 3-betting. The optimal frequency depends on stack sizes, table dynamics, and opponent tendencies. In general, a balanced strategy requires defending enough to prevent profitable steals.
Typical Ranges
- Tight players: >70%
- Moderate players: 50-70%
- Loose/aggressive players: <50% These numbers are approximate and vary by game type (cash vs. tournament) and blind structure.
Usage in Strategy
When analyzing opponents, you can exploit a player with a very high Fold to Steal from HJ by raising a wider range from that position. Against a player with a low stat, you should tighten your stealing range or consider trapping. Additionally, your own Fold to Steal from HJ is a key leak to monitor; if it is too high, you are giving up chips too easily from the blinds.
Related Concepts
- Steal Attempt: A raise from late positions (CO, BTN, sometimes HJ) intending to take the blinds.
- Blind Defense: Actions taken by the blinds to contest the pot, including calling, 3-betting, or folding.
- Positional Awareness: The HJ is a middle-late position with moderate stealing power.