Quick Summary
- The range is built around value hands, clean blockers, and hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.
- Shorter stacks compress decisions; simplify to higher-EV lines without over-mixing.
- Rake sensitivity matters most for marginal opens and thin calls, especially in cash.
- This preflop range chart for SB vs 3-bet at 20bb in Cash 6-max, low rake prioritizes playability and disciplined frequencies.
- Treat the chart as a baseline: adjust for table dynamics, rake pressure, and opponent profiles.
Preflop Range Chart + How to Read It
SB 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
- Mixes require discipline: follow the shown frequency, not intuition.
- Dense colors and 100% frequencies form the core of the preflop range.
- Blockers increase bluff quality and reduce opponents’ calling frequency.
Baseline Range Reference
- 4-bet value: AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo, JJ, AKs
- 4-bet bluff: A5s, A4s, KQs
- Call: QQ, JJ, AQs
Range Logic: Why These Hands
The goal of vs 3-bet is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well.
The goal of vs 3-bet is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.
Balanced ranges combine strong value with blocker-driven bluffs to stay resilient versus aggression.
See also: SB — Push/Fold 20bb (Cash 6-max, low rake). See also: BTN — Open-raise 20bb (Cash 6-max, low rake).
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 SB vs 3-bet at 20bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
When stack depth changes, your vs 3-bet range should compress or expand accordingly; do not force fixed widths.
Range work is compounding: small frequency fixes in common spots have the largest EV impact.
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.
Postflop Plan: Common Boards and Lines
Dry Boards
On dry A/K-high boards you often hold a top-card advantage; small sizing with range keeps EV stable.
Dynamic Boards
Against aggressive players, mix checks and protect strong draws to avoid being exploited.
Field Adjustments
Versus tight fields, widen steals and open-raises, but tighten vs 3-bets.
Against 3-bet-heavy tables, add blocker 4-bets and tighten cold calls.
Compare with: SB — Open-raise 20bb (Cash 6-max, low rake). Compare with: Section: Cash 6-max.
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
- using oversized bets on textures that require pot control
- over-mixing and drifting from target frequencies
- opening too wide without positional awareness
- ignoring rake impact on marginal hands
- opening too wide without positional awareness
Training: 10-Minute Daily Drill
- Repeat weekly and track EV improvements.
- Pick 10–15 borderline hands from the chart.
- Adjust frequencies and fix the highest-EV leaks.
- Run 50–80 training decisions and record mistakes.
FAQ
Can I widen versus passive players?
Yes, but prioritize hands with strong playability and realization.
How do I train frequencies?
Use a trainer, track mistakes, and repeat the same spots in focused sessions.
Should I follow the chart strictly?
No. It is a baseline. Adjust to table tendencies, rake, and dynamics.
How do I account for rake?
Higher rake = tighter marginal calls and opens, especially in cash.
What matters more: blockers or realization?
Both. Blockers drive bluff EV; realization drives call EV.