Quick Summary
- The range is built around value hands, clean blockers, and hands that realize equity well in Cash 6-max.
- Shorter stacks compress decisions; simplify to higher-EV lines without over-mixing.
- This preflop range chart for UTG Open-raise at 40bb in Cash 6-max, low rake prioritizes playability and disciplined frequencies.
- 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. 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.
- Blockers increase bluff quality and reduce opponents’ calling frequency.
- Dense colors and 100% frequencies form the core of the preflop range.
Baseline Range Reference
- Always: AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo
- Often: JJ, TT, AQs, AJs, KQs
- 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.
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: Section: Cash 6-max. See also: BTN — Open-raise 40bb (Cash 6-max, low rake).
Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for UTG 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.
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.
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 UTG Open-raise at 40bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
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
Versus tight fields, widen steals and open-raises, but tighten vs 3-bets.
Against 3-bet-heavy tables, add blocker 4-bets and tighten cold calls.
Compare with: UTG — 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
- ignoring rake impact on marginal hands
- calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
- over-mixing and drifting from target frequencies
- opening too wide without positional awareness
- opening too wide without positional awareness
Training: 10-Minute Daily Drill
- Pick 10–15 borderline hands from the chart.
- Repeat weekly and track EV improvements.
- Run 50–80 training decisions and record mistakes.
- 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.
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.
How do I account for rake?
Higher rake = tighter marginal calls and opens, especially in cash.