Preflop Calling Range from the Big Blind Position in a Cash Game (100BB Deep)

The Big Blind (BB) is a unique position in poker. While you are out of position post-flop against almost all opponents, you have already invested one big blind, which gives you favorable pot odds to call. This allows you to defend a wider range than other positions, especially against smaller raise sizes.

Factors Influencing Your Calling Range

1. Raise Size: The smaller the raise, the wider you can defend due to better pot odds. Conversely, larger raises require stronger hands to continue.
2. Opponent’s Position: Players opening from earlier positions typically have tighter ranges, requiring you to defend more selectively. Late position raises (cutoff, button) allow you to defend a wider range.
3. Your Postflop Skill: If you’re confident in playing post-flop OOP, you can defend wider.
4. Stack Depth: At 100BB deep, you can profitably defend speculative hands like suited connectors and small pairs.

Recommended Big Blind Preflop Calling Range

1. Against Early Position Raises (UTG, Lojack):

• Premium Hands (Consider 3-Betting or Calling):

  • Pocket Pairs: AA, KK, QQ, JJ
  • Broadways: AKs, AKo, AQs, AQo

• Calling Hands:

  • Pocket Pairs: TT–22 (set-mining opportunities)
  • Suited Broadways: KQs, KJs, QJs, ATs
  • Offsuit Broadways: AJo, KQo (depending on the raise size)
  • Suited Aces: A5s–A2s (play well in multi-way pots with flush potential)
  • Suited Connectors: T9s, 98s, 87s
  • Suited One-Gappers: J9s, T8s

2. Against Middle Position Raises (Hijack, Cutoff):

• Premium Hands (Consider 3-Betting or Calling):

  • Pocket Pairs: AA, KK, QQ, JJ
  • Broadways: AKs, AKo, AQs, AQo

• Calling Hands:

  • Pocket Pairs: TT–22
  • Suited Broadways: KQs, KJs, QJs, ATs, AJs
  • Offsuit Broadways: AJo, KQo, QJo
  • Suited Aces: A5s–A2s
  • Suited Connectors: T9s, 98s, 87s, 76s, 65s
  • Suited One-Gappers: J9s, T8s, 97s

3. Against Late Position Raises (Button, Small Blind):

• Premium Hands (Consider 3-Betting or Calling):

  • Pocket Pairs: AA, KK, QQ, JJ
  • Broadways: AKs, AKo, AQs, AQo, KQs

• Calling Hands:

  • Pocket Pairs: TT–22
  • Suited Broadways: KJs, QJs, JTs, ATs
  • Offsuit Broadways: AJo, KQo, QJo
  • Suited Aces: A9s–A2s
  • Suited Connectors: T9s, 98s, 87s, 76s, 65s, 54s
  • Suited One-Gappers: J9s, T8s, 97s, 86s
  • Weak Offsuit Hands: A9o, KJo, QTo (especially against smaller raises)

Adjusting Your Range Based on Raise Size

• 2x–2.5x Raises (Small):

  • Defend a wide range, including speculative hands like small suited connectors (e.g., 54s) and weaker broadways (e.g., QTo).

• 3x Raises (Standard):

  • Tighten your range slightly, focusing on hands with strong post-flop playability, like suited connectors, broadways, and pocket pairs.

• 4x or Larger Raises (Big):

  • Defend only stronger hands, such as suited broadways, mid-to-high pocket pairs, and premium hands.

When to 3-Bet Instead of Call:

In the BB, you should 3-bet to put pressure on opponents, especially against late position raisers. A polarized 3-betting range works well:

• 3-Bet for Value:

  • AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo, AQs

• 3-Bet as a Bluff:

  • A5s–A3s, KJs, QJs, T9s, J9s

Key Considerations for Playing the Big Blind:

1. Pot Odds and Equity:

   • Defending wide is justified due to favorable pot odds, but only if the hand has decent equity.

2. Postflop Playability:

   • Choose hands that can hit strong flops or well-disguised draws. Avoid hands like K4o or Q3o which rarely improve.

3. Opponent Tendencies:

   • Against aggressive opponents, defend tighter and lean towards 3-betting more often. Against passive players, defend wide and focus on extracting value post-flop.

4. Stack Depth:

   • At 100BB, speculative hands like small pairs and suited connectors retain high value.

Sample Big Blind Preflop Calling Range (Visualized)

Conclusion:

Defending from the Big Blind requires a strategic balance of wide calling ranges and selective 3-betting to capitalize on favorable pot odds. Focus on hands that perform well post-flop, and adjust your range based on raise size, opponent tendencies, and table dynamics. With discipline and a solid plan, you can turn the Big Blind into a profitable position.