BB — Open-raise (20bb, Cash 6-max, low rake)

Preflop range chart and strategy: BB, Open-raise, stack 20bb, Cash 6-max, low rake.

Quick Summary

This preflop range chart for BB Open-raise at 20bb in Cash 6-max, low rake prioritizes playability and disciplined frequencies.
Shorter stacks compress decisions; simplify to higher-EV lines without over-mixing.
The range is built around value hands, clean blockers, and hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.
Rake sensitivity matters most for marginal opens and thin calls, especially in cash.

Preflop Range Chart + How to Read It

BB is a positional spot where earlier positions must be tighter and more resilient versus 3-bets. 20bb stacks compress decisions; prioritize clean equity and avoid low-realization lines. Cash 6-max environments reward consistency and rake-aware discipline.

How to Read the Chart

Blockers increase bluff quality and reduce opponents’ calling frequency.
Mixes require discipline: follow the shown frequency, not intuition.
Poor realization = tighter continuation ranges, even with decent raw equity.

Baseline Range Reference

Always: AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo
Often: JJ, TT, AQs, AJs, KQs, 99
Sometimes: 99, 88, AQo, ATs, KJs, QJs, JTs

Range Logic: Why These Hands

The goal of Open-raise is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well.

Balanced ranges combine strong value with blocker-driven bluffs to stay resilient versus aggression.

The goal of Open-raise is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.

The biggest leaks come from frequency drift and impatience in marginal spots; keep the chart open while drilling.

When stack depth changes, your Open-raise range should compress or expand accordingly; do not force fixed widths.

Build discipline by tagging hands that underperform postflop and re-checking their preflop inclusion.

For Cash 6-max, low rake, prioritize hands that realize equity cleanly and avoid low-EV marginal calls.

Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for BB Open-raise at 20bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

For Cash 6-max, low rake, prioritize hands that realize equity cleanly and avoid low-EV marginal calls.

Range work is compounding: small frequency fixes in common spots have the largest EV impact.

Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for BB Open-raise at 20bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

Postflop Plan: Common Boards and Lines

Dry Boards

Versus passive opponents, thin value bets are viable; versus aggression, protect your checking range.

Dynamic Boards

On dynamic boards with draws, protect your range and avoid over-c-betting without equity.

Field Adjustments

Against 3-bet-heavy tables, add blocker 4-bets and tighten cold calls.

Versus tight fields, widen steals and open-raises, but tighten vs 3-bets.

Compare with: BB — Push/Fold 20bb (Cash 6-max, low rake). Compare with: BTN — Open-raise 20bb (Cash 6-max, low rake).

Rake Adjustments: What Changes at Low Rake

With low rake, marginal opens and calls tighten; focus on hands that play well postflop. Low rake allows a bit more marginal action, but weak realization still burns EV.

Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes

over-mixing and drifting from target frequencies
opening too wide without positional awareness
opening too wide without positional awareness
calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
ignoring rake impact on marginal hands

Training: 10-Minute Daily Drill

Pick 10–15 borderline hands from the chart.
Run 50–80 training decisions and record mistakes.
Repeat weekly and track EV improvements.
Adjust frequencies and fix the highest-EV leaks.

FAQ

How do I train frequencies?

Use a trainer, track mistakes, and repeat the same spots in focused sessions.

What matters more: blockers or realization?

Both. Blockers drive bluff EV; realization drives call EV.

Should I follow the chart strictly?

No. It is a baseline. Adjust to table tendencies, rake, and dynamics.

Can I widen versus passive players?

Yes, but prioritize hands with strong playability and realization.