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

The cutoff (CO) position is one of the most advantageous spots at the poker table, second only to the button. With fewer players left to act, you can expand your preflop raising range significantly compared to earlier positions. In this position, you can include a mix of strong hands, speculative hands, and bluffing opportunities to steal the blinds or isolate weaker players.

Recommended Cutoff Preflop Raising Range

1. Premium Hands (Always Raise):

• Pocket Pairs:

  • AA, KK, QQ
    • Top-tier hands that are auto-raises for value.

• Broadway Combos:

  • AKs, AKo, AQs, AQo
    • These strong hands dominate calling ranges and offer excellent postflop playability.

2. Strong Hands (Value Raise):

• Pocket Pairs:

  • JJ, TT, 99, 88
    • Great hands to build the pot while maintaining control.

• Suited Broadways:

  • KQs, KJs, QJs, ATs, AJs
    • Strong, versatile hands that can play aggressively postflop.

• Offsuit Broadways:

  • AJo, KQo
    • Solid hands with good equity in late positions.

3. Speculative Hands (Range Expansion):

• Medium to Small Pocket Pairs:

  • 77, 66, 55, 44, 33, 22
    • Raise for set-mining or to apply pressure in smaller pots.

• Suited Aces:

  • A5s, A4s, A3s, A2s
    • Excellent for flush draws and occasional wheel straights.

• Suited Connectors:

  • T9s, 98s, 87s, 76s, 65s
    • Provide balance to your range and have the potential for disguised strong hands.

• Suited One-Gappers:

  • J9s, T8s, 97s, 86s
    • Add depth to your range in this position, especially against tighter blinds.

4. Stealing and Bluffing Hands:

• Offsuit Hands with High Card Potential:

  • A9o, KJo, QJo
    • Good for stealing blinds but require caution against 3-bets.

• Weak Suited Connectors:

  • 54s, 43s
    • Situational raises to balance your aggression.

Visualized Cutoff Raising Range:

Raise Sizing:

• Standard Raise Size: 5x–6x the big blind.
  • It keeps your sizing consistent and pressures opponents.
• Add for Limpers: Increase your raise size by +1BB per limper to discourage multi-way pots.

Adjustments Based on Table Dynamics:

1. Tight Players Behind You:

   • Expand your range to include weaker hands like suited connectors and offsuit broadways since tight players fold more often.

2. Aggressive Players Behind You:

   • Tighten your range slightly to include hands that can withstand 3-bets, such as premium pairs, strong broadways, and suited aces. Avoid marginal hands like A9o or KJo.

3. Passive Players in the Blinds:

   • Raise more speculative hands (e.g., 54s, 43s, or small pairs), as passive players tend to call rather than 3-bet.

Example Scenarios:

Scenario 1: Raise and Face a 3-Bet

• Your Hand: KQs
• Action:
  • Against tight 3-bettors: Fold if the sizing is large and their range is likely AA, KK, or AK.
  • Against loose/aggressive 3-bettors: Call and evaluate post-flop, especially if you’ll have position.

Scenario 2: Raise and Get Multiple Callers

• Your Hand: T9s
• Action:
  • Look for connected boards that complement your range. Play aggressively with draws or strong hands, but avoid bloating the pot with marginal hands.

Scenario 3: Raise and Everyone Folds

• Your Hand: A4s
• Action:
  • Great result with speculative hands, as you pick up blinds and antes without risking post-flop play.

Key Considerations for Cutoff Play:

• Leverage Position: The cutoff often allows you to play the rest of the hand with a positional advantage unless the button or blinds contest.
• Apply Pressure: Use your expanded range to steal blinds and antes, especially against tight or passive players.
• Balance Your Range: Incorporate speculative and bluffing hands to prevent opponents from reading your premium holdings easily.
• Know Your Opponents: Be cautious of aggressive players on the button or in the blinds who may 3-bet light.

Conclusion:

The cutoff position is a prime spot to expand your preflop raising range while leveraging positional advantage. Focus on strong, versatile hands and mix in speculative and bluffing hands to keep your play unpredictable. Adjust your range based on your opponents and table dynamics, and use this position to build your stack consistently.