Open Raise from CO

Position and Importance

The cutoff (CO) is the seat immediately to the right of the button (dealer). It is the second-most advantageous position at the table, after the button, because it acts after most other players but retains position on them postflop. Open raising from the CO is a standard play in No-Limit Hold'em, as it allows the player to steal the blinds and antes (if any) while keeping positional advantage over the blinds and any limpers.

When to Open Raise

A player in the CO should typically open raise with a wide range of hands, especially when the table folds often to steals. The range includes strong hands (e.g., high pairs, strong aces) for value, and weaker hands (e.g., suited connectors, small pairs) as semi-bluffs. The decision depends on the tendencies of players left to act (the button, small blind, big blind) as well as stack sizes. Against tight opponents, the CO can raise more liberally; against aggressive or tricky players, the range should tighten.

Raise Size

Standard open raise sizes from the CO are between 2 and 3 big blinds (BB). A raise of 2.2–2.5 BB is common to encourage folds while not risking too much. In tournament play, when antes are in play, raises may be slightly larger (e.g., 2.5–3 BB) to compensate for the additional dead money. Adjust size based on table dynamics: smaller raises against weak opponents who fold too much, larger raises against loose callers.

Strategic Considerations

The CO's open raise is often a steal attempt, especially from late position. However, it also sets up continuation bets and allows the raiser to leverage position postflop. Key factors include:

• Stack sizes: With deep stacks, open wider; with short stacks, tighten and raise bigger to commit or induce shoves.
• Opponent tendencies: If the blinds fold excessively, raise frequently; if they 3-bet often, either tighten up or incorporate 4-bet bluffs.
• Table image: A tight image allows more steals; a loose image may attract 3-bets.

Example

In a 6-max cash game blinds $1/$2 with $200 stacks, the first three players fold. The CO looks down at 7♠8♠ and opens to $4.50 (2.25 BB). This is a standard steal attempt with a suited connector, leveraging position to outplay the blinds postflop.

Related Concepts

• Steal: An open raise from late position (CO or button) aimed at winning the blinds.
• Position: The CO enjoys a positional advantage over the blinds and early positions.
• Defense: Players in the blinds may defend with 3-bets or calls to counter CO opens.