Quick Summary
- 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.
- Treat the chart as a baseline: adjust for table dynamics, rake pressure, and opponent profiles.
- This preflop range chart for SB Open-raise at 40bb in Cash 6-max, low rake prioritizes playability and disciplined frequencies.
- Shorter stacks compress decisions; simplify to higher-EV lines without over-mixing.
Preflop Range Chart + How to Read It
SB 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.
- Poor realization = tighter continuation ranges, even with decent raw equity.
- Mixes require discipline: follow the shown frequency, not intuition.
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.
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.
See also: BTN — Open-raise 40bb (Cash 6-max, low rake). See also: Section: Cash 6-max.
When stack depth changes, your Open-raise range should compress or expand accordingly; do not force fixed widths.
The biggest leaks come from frequency drift and impatience in marginal spots; keep the chart open while drilling.
Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for SB Open-raise at 40bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for SB Open-raise at 40bb. 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.
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
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: SB — 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. Avoid passive lines without a plan: rake taxes low-equity calls the most.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fixes
- opening too wide without positional awareness
- calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
- opening too wide without positional awareness
- calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
- using oversized bets on textures that require pot control
Training: 10-Minute Daily Drill
- Pick 10–15 borderline hands from the chart.
- Repeat weekly and track EV improvements.
- Adjust frequencies and fix the highest-EV leaks.
- Run 50–80 training decisions and record mistakes.
FAQ
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.
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 account for rake?
Higher rake = tighter marginal calls and opens, especially in cash.