UTG — Push/Fold (20bb, Cash 6-max, high rake)

Preflop range chart and strategy: UTG, Push/Fold, stack 20bb, Cash 6-max, high rake.

Quick Summary

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.
Treat the chart as a baseline: adjust for table dynamics, rake pressure, and opponent profiles.

Preflop Range Chart + How to Read It

UTG 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

Dense colors and 100% frequencies form the core of the preflop range.
Poor realization = tighter continuation ranges, even with decent raw equity.
Mixes require discipline: follow the shown frequency, not intuition.

Baseline Range Reference

Push: AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo, JJ, TT, AQs, AJs, KQs, AQo
Marginal: 99, 88, ATs, KJs

Range Logic: Why These Hands

The goal of Push/Fold is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well.

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

If a hand performs poorly without initiative, it should be folded or mixed at low frequency.

Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for UTG Push/Fold at 20bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

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

Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for UTG Push/Fold at 20bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

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

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

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

Field Adjustments

If opponents overcall, shift to hands with strong realization and clean postflop playability.

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

Compare with: UTG — Open-raise 20bb (Cash 6-max, high rake). Compare with: Section: Cash 6-max.

Rake Adjustments: What Changes at Low Rake

With high rake, marginal opens and calls tighten; focus on hands that play well postflop. Avoid passive lines without a plan: rake taxes low-equity calls the most.

Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes

using oversized bets on textures that require pot control
calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
opening too wide without positional awareness
ignoring rake impact on marginal hands
over-mixing and drifting from target frequencies

Training: 10-Minute Daily Drill

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

FAQ

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.