Quick Summary
- Shorter stacks compress decisions; simplify to higher-EV lines without over-mixing.
- 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.
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
- Dense colors and 100% frequencies form the core of the preflop range.
- Blockers increase bluff quality and reduce opponents’ calling frequency.
- Poor realization = tighter continuation ranges, even with decent raw equity.
Baseline Range Reference
- 4-bet value: AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo, JJ, AKs
- 4-bet bluff: A5s, A4s, KQs
- Call: TT, 99, AQs, AJs, KQs
Range Logic: Why These Hands
The goal of vs 3-bet 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 vs 3-bet is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.
See also: SB — Open-raise 40bb (Cash 6-max, low rake). See also: BTN — Open-raise 40bb (Cash 6-max, low rake).
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.
Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for SB vs 3-bet at 40bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
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 vs 3-bet at 40bb. 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.
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.
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
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: 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
- over-mixing and drifting from target frequencies
- calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
- using oversized bets on textures that require pot control
- opening too wide without positional awareness
- 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.
- Pick 10–15 borderline hands from the chart.
- Adjust frequencies and fix the highest-EV leaks.
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 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.
Should I follow the chart strictly?
No. It is a baseline. Adjust to table tendencies, rake, and dynamics.