HJ 100bb Steal

Overview

The HJ 100bb Steal is a fundamental open-raise strategy in no-limit hold'em cash games where effective stacks are 100 big blinds. It involves raising first-in from the hijack (HJ) position, which is the seat directly to the right of the cutoff (CO) and two seats to the right of the button. The primary goal is to ‘steal’ the blinds and any antes by forcing folds from players yet to act, particularly the blinds and the cutoff/button.

Strategic Context

At 100bb effective stacks, the game is deep enough to allow for post-flop play but not excessively deep. The HJ is a middle-late position, giving the raiser positional advantage over the blinds but not over the cutoff or button if they call or 3-bet. The steal range from HJ typically includes a mix of strong hands (high pocket pairs, big aces), hands that play well post-flop (suited connectors, suited aces), and some weaker hands that can profitably raise if the table is passive.

A typical HJ steal range might include:

• Strong: AA, KK, QQ, AK
• Medium: JJ-77, AQ, AJ, KQ
• Steal: 66-22, A2s-A5s, suited connectors (JTs-65s), some offsuit broadways (ATo, KJo)

Exact ranges depend on opponent tendencies. Against tight blinds, a wider steal range is profitable; against aggressive 3-bettors, tighten the range or add a balanced 4-bet bluff strategy.

Key Considerations

• Blind Defense: The biggest threat to a steal is a 3-bet from the blinds or a call leading to a multi-way pot. HJ stealers must be prepared to fold to 3-bets from tight players or to call/4-bet against aggressive opponents.
• Position: After the flop, the HJ will act after the blinds but before the cutoff and button if they called. This positional disadvantage versus later positions means the HJ should avoid marginal hands that are hard to play out of position.
• Stack Depth: At 100bb, post-flop play is flexible. Steal hands that flop well (suited connectors, small pairs) can win large pots, while weak holdings (like K9o) may struggle if called.
• Table Dynamics: On a tight table, steal more liberally. On an aggressive table, consider limping or folding more often to avoid being 3-bet frequently.

Common Adjustments

• Against a Nit in the Big Blind: Steal with a wider range, including weak suited aces and low pocket pairs, as nits fold too much.
• Against a LAG in the Small Blind: Reduce steal frequency and consider 4-betting light if they 3-bet excessively.
• Multi-Way Pots: If the cutoff or button calls, the HJ should c-bet frequently on favorable flops but check-fold on coordinated boards that hit callers' ranges.

Summary

The HJ 100bb Steal is a profitable default action in many cash games, but success depends on adapting to opponents' tendencies, stack sizes, and post-flop skills. Mastering this concept is a stepping stone to a well-rounded preflop strategy.