Preflop Raising Range from the Lojack Position in a Cash Game (100BB Deep)

The Lojack (LJ) position, often referred to as the “early-middle position,” offers slightly more flexibility than under the gun (UTG) or early position (EP) but still requires a disciplined approach. Raising from the Lojack is an opportunity to begin expanding your range while maintaining a solid foundation, as you’ll face fewer players behind you compared to UTG/EP.

Recommended Lojack (LJ) Preflop Raising Range

1. Premium Hands (Always Raise):

• Pocket Pairs:
  • AA, KK, QQ
    • These premium pairs are automatic raises to build the pot and apply pressure.
• Strong Broadway Combos:
  • AKs, AKo, AQs, AQo
    • High-value hands that play well post-flop and dominate weaker hands.

2. Strong Hands (Value Raise):

• Pocket Pairs:
  • JJ, TT, 99
    • These pairs are strong enough to raise for value but may need caution against aggression.
• Suited Broadways:
  • KQs – K9s, QJs – Q9s, JTs
    • Suited broadways have good implied odds and strong post-flop playability.

3. Speculative Hands (Range Expansion):

• Medium Pocket Pairs:
  • 88, 77,66
    • These are good candidates for a raise in the Lojack, especially on passive tables.
• Suited Aces:
  • AJs thru A2s
    • Suited aces offer flush potential and can be raised to balance your range.
• Suited Connectors:
  • J9s,T9s, 98s, 87s, 76s,65s
    • These hands are excellent for building balanced aggression and can hit well-disguised straights and flushes.

Hands to Avoid Raising in Lojack:

• Weak Offsuit Hands:
  • Hands like AJo, ATo, KQo, KJ0 and lower offsuit connectors should generally be avoided unless the table is overly passive, as they perform poorly against 3-bets.
• Small Pocket Pairs (22–66):
  • While playable in some situations, these are better suited for late-position raises or flat calls in multi-way pots.

Visualized Lojack Raising Range:

Lojack Raise Sizing (100BB Deep):

• Standard Raise: 5x–6x the big blind.
  • Apply consistent pressure without overcommitting your stack.
• Adjust for Limpers: Add +1BB per limper to prevent multi-way pots.

Adjustments Based on Table Dynamics:

1. Against Tight Players:
   • Expand your range slightly to include hands like AJo, KQo, or suited connectors (T9s, 98s) since tight players are less likely to 3-bet or call.
2. Against Aggressive Players:
   • Tighten your range to focus on premium hands that can withstand 3-bets (e.g., AA–JJ, AK, AQs). Avoid marginal hands like KJs or T9s.
3. Against Passive Tables:
   • Add hands with good implied odds (e.g., 77, 66, A5s) since passive players are more likely to call rather than raise.

Example Scenarios:

Scenario 1: Raise and Face a 3-Bet

• Your Hand: AQs
• Action: Against tight opponents, consider folding unless their sizing indicates a weaker range. Against loose 3-bettors, you can call or 4-bet as a semi-bluff.

Scenario 2: Raise and Face Multiple Callers

• Your Hand: 99
• Action: On a low flop (e.g., 7♦ 4♠ 2♥), continue aggressively. On a high-card flop, proceed cautiously, especially if opponents represent strength.

Scenario 3: Raise and Everyone Folds

• Your Hand: T9s
• Action: This is a great result with speculative hands, as you win the blinds without risking postflop play.

Key Considerations for Lojack Play:

• Postflop Position: While not in early position, you’re still out of position to most of the table. Avoid speculative raises against aggressive opponents.
• Balance: Including suited connectors and medium pocket pairs balances your range, making you harder to read.
• Opponent Awareness: Know who’s left to act. Against tight 3-bettors, stick to a stronger range. Against looser players, consider wider opens.

Conclusion:

The Lojack position allows you to begin opening up your preflop raising range while maintaining discipline. By focusing on premium and speculative hands with good postflop playability, you can maximize your profitability while minimizing risk. Adjust your range based on table dynamics and opponent tendencies, and you’ll find yourself navigating the Lojack position with confidence.