Quick Summary
- Shorter stacks compress decisions; simplify to higher-EV lines without over-mixing.
- This preflop range chart for BTN Open-raise at 40bb in Cash 6-max, low rake prioritizes playability and disciplined frequencies.
- Rake sensitivity matters most for marginal opens and thin calls, especially in cash.
- The range is built around value hands, clean blockers, and hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.
Preflop Range Chart + How to Read It
BTN 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
- Mixes require discipline: follow the shown frequency, not intuition.
- 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, A5s
- Often: JJ, TT, AQs, AJs, KQs, 99, KJs
- Sometimes: 99, 88, AQo, ATs, KJs, QJs, JTs, A3s, A2s, KTs, QTs, J9s, 77, 66, 55, A5s, A4s, T9s, 98s, 87s, 76s
Range Logic: Why These Hands
The goal of Open-raise is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well.
If a hand performs poorly without initiative, it should be folded or mixed at low frequency.
The goal of Open-raise is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.
See also: BTN — vs 3-bet 40bb (Cash 6-max, low rake). See also: Section: Cash 6-max.
Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for BTN Open-raise at 40bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Range work is compounding: small frequency fixes in common spots have the largest EV impact.
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.
For Cash 6-max, low rake, prioritize hands that realize equity cleanly and avoid low-EV marginal calls.
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
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.
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
- opening too wide without positional awareness
- calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
- ignoring rake impact on marginal hands
- over-mixing and drifting from target frequencies
- opening too wide without positional awareness
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
Can I widen versus passive players?
Yes, but prioritize hands with strong playability and realization.
What matters more: blockers or realization?
Both. Blockers drive bluff EV; realization drives call EV.
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.