PFR from HJ

Definition

PFR from HJ (Pre-flop Raise from Hijack) refers to the action of making a raise before the flop when seated in the Hijack (HJ) position. The HJ is the position immediately to the right of the Cutoff (CO) and two seats to the right of the Button. In a standard nine-handed game, the order is: UTG, UTG+1, UTG+2, MP, MP, HJ, CO, BTN, SB, BB. The HJ is considered a middle-to-late position, offering a balance between information and remaining players to act.

Strategic Importance

Raising from HJ is a key part of a solid pre-flop strategy. Since there are only three players left to act (CO, BTN, SB, BB), but also several players who have already folded, the HJ has a moderate amount of information. The HJ's raise range is typically wider than early positions (UTG, UTG+1) but narrower than later positions (CO, BTN). The goal is to steal the blinds and antes while maintaining a strong range to avoid being exploited by 3-bets from later positions.

Typical Raising Range

A standard HJ raising range includes:

• Premium hands: AA, KK, QQ, JJ, TT, AK, AQ
• Suited connectors and broadways: AJs, ATs, KQs, KJs, QJs, JTs, T9s, 98s, 87s (depending on dynamics)
• Middle pairs: 99, 88, 77
• Some offsuit broadways: AJo, KQo, sometimes ATo, KJo

This range might be tighter or looser based on table tendencies. Against passive opponents, one can raise more hands; against aggressive 3-bettors, one should tighten up or incorporate more 4-bet bluffs.

Factors Influencing PFR from HJ

• Number of players: In full-ring (9-max), ranges are tighter than in 6-max. In 6-max, HJ is essentially UTG+1 (since there is only UTG and then HJ), so the range widens.
• Stack sizes: Deeper stacks allow for more speculative hands (suited connectors) due to implied odds. Shorter stacks favor high-card strength.
• Opponent tendencies: If the blinds and CO/BN are tight, one can raise more hands to steal. If they defend aggressively, one should tighten the opening range and consider limping or folding weak hands.
• Game flow: After winning several pots, one might tighten up; after losing, one might loosen up (though this can be exploitable).

Comparison with RFI (Raise First In)

PFR from HJ is a subset of RFI (Raise First In) when the player is the first to enter the pot voluntarily. However, PFR includes situations where there have been limpers (though in modern poker, open-limping is rare from HJ). Typically, from HJ, one should almost always open-raise rather than limp, as limping gives up initiative and allows the blinds to see free flops with weak hands.

Adjustments in Different Game Types

• Tournament ICM considerations: In tournaments, especially near the money or with short stacks, the HJ raising range may tighten due to ICM pressure. The risk of busting outweighs the reward of stealing blinds.
• Cash game vs. tournament: Cash games allow for more aggressive range expansion because the buy-in is not at risk. In tournaments, survival is important.

Summary

PFR from HJ is a fundamental poker concept that balances aggression and selectivity. A player's pre-flop raise range from HJ should be adjusted based on position, table dynamics, stack sizes, and game format. Mastering this concept is crucial for building a profitable pre-flop strategy.