SB PFR
SB PFR
SB PFR is a poker statistic that measures the percentage of times a player raises preflop when seated in the small blind position.
Overview
SB PFR stands for Small Blind Pre-Flop Raise. It is a key positional statistic used in online poker tracking software (e.g., PokerTracker, Hold'em Manager) to analyze a player's tendencies from the small blind. The stat is expressed as a percentage and represents how often a player voluntarily raises (not limps or folds) when they are in the small blind and facing no prior raise (i.e., when action folds to them).
Interpretation
A high SB PFR (e.g., >30%) indicates an aggressive player who frequently raises from the small blind, often with a wide range. This can be exploitative because the small blind is generally a disadvantageous position postflop due to acting first on every street. A low SB PFR (e.g., <10%) suggests a tight player who only raises with strong hands from this position, preferring to fold or complete (limp) otherwise. Typical solid players have an SB PFR in the 15-25% range, depending on game dynamics.
Strategic Significance
SB PFR is distinct from overall PFR because the small blind's strategy is heavily influenced by the big blind's presence and the pot odds offered. When the small blind faces no raise, they must decide whether to raise, limp, or fold. Raising narrows the range and pressures the big blind. Aggressive players often raise a wide range from the small blind to steal the blinds, especially against tight big blinds. Conversely, passive players may limp or complete more often, which can be exploited.
Using SB PFR in Practice
HUDs display SB PFR alongside other stats like SB VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot) to gauge overall small blind activity. A common heuristic is that SB PFR minus SB VPIP is small; if it's large, the player limps often. When opponent's SB PFR is high, you can 3-bet lighter from the big blind or defend more. If it's low, you can steal more aggressively by raising with a wide range when folding to you in the big blind.
Example
In a 6-max cash game, a player with SB PFR of 40% is raising 4 out of 10 times from the small blind. This indicates a wide range that includes many speculative hands. A player with 8% SB PFR is very tight and likely only raising premium hands from that position.
Limitations
SB PFR is sample-size dependent; a few hundred hands are needed for reliability. It does not account for stack sizes, blind levels, or opponent tendencies. Use it in conjunction with other position-specific stats like BB PFR and BTN PFR for a complete picture.