BB — Open-raise (40bb, Cash 6-max, low rake)

Preflop range chart and strategy: BB, Open-raise, stack 40bb, Cash 6-max, low rake.

Quick Summary

The range is built around value hands, clean blockers, and hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.
Treat the chart as a baseline: adjust for table dynamics, rake pressure, and opponent profiles.
Rake sensitivity matters most for marginal opens and thin calls, especially in cash.
This preflop range chart for BB Open-raise at 40bb in Cash 6-max, low rake prioritizes playability and disciplined frequencies.

Preflop Range Chart + How to Read It

BB is a positional spot where earlier positions must be tighter and more resilient versus 3-bets. 40bb 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.
Dense colors and 100% frequencies form the core of the preflop range.
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.

The goal of Open-raise 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.

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

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

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

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 40bb. 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.

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

Compare with: BB — vs 3-bet 40bb (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

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

Training: 10-Minute Daily Drill

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

FAQ

How do I train frequencies?

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

Can I widen versus passive players?

Yes, but prioritize hands with strong playability and realization.

How do I account for rake?

Higher rake = tighter marginal calls and opens, especially in cash.

Should I follow the chart strictly?

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