BB Open Raise Frequency
BB Open Raise Frequency
The frequency with which the big blind raises preflop when all other players have folded, indicating an aggressive blind defense or a decision to play a hand with a raise.
Definition
BB Open Raise Frequency (often abbreviated as BB Open Raise or BB OR) is a poker statistic that measures how often the big blind raises preflop when given the opportunity to either check or raise, typically when all other players have folded around to them. This stat is commonly tracked by poker HUDs (Heads-Up Displays) and is expressed as a percentage.
Usage
In online poker tracking software, the BB Open Raise Frequency is calculated as the number of times the big blind raises when everyone else has folded divided by the total number of opportunities where that scenario occurred. For example, if the big blind faces a fold-to-blind situation 100 times and raises 30 of those times, their BB Open Raise Frequency is 30%.
This stat is most relevant in full-ring or 6-max cash games and tournaments where players frequently steal blinds. It helps to understand how aggressively or passively a player defends their big blind from the perspective of raising rather than just checking.
Strategic Considerations
A high BB Open Raise Frequency (e.g., above 40%) indicates a player who often chooses to raise instead of checking when they have the option. This can be a sign of either a strong hand or an aggressive blind defense strategy. Conversely, a low frequency (e.g., below 10%) suggests the player prefers to check and see a free flop with marginal hands, only raising with premium holdings.
Adjustments: When facing an opponent with a high BB Open Raise Frequency, you might be less inclined to steal from the button or cutoff, as your steal attempt may be met with a raise. Against a low frequency, you can widen your stealing range. In tournaments, stack sizes and ICM pressure also affect this stat; short stacks may raise more often to steal blinds or avoid playing postflop out of position.
Related Terms
- Fold to Steal: How often the big blind folds to a steal attempt from late position.
- BB Steal: The big blind's raise against a late-position steal (sometimes called BB 3-bet vs steal).
- VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot): Overall preflop aggression, including calls and raises.
- PFR (Preflop Raise): Percentage of hands raised preflop, from any position.