CO — Open-raise (20bb, MTT, 6-max, low rake)

Preflop range chart and strategy: CO, Open-raise, stack 20bb, MTT, 6-max, low rake.

Quick Summary

This preflop range chart for CO Open-raise at 20bb in MTT, 6-max, low rake prioritizes playability and disciplined frequencies.
Treat the chart as a baseline: adjust for table dynamics, rake pressure, and opponent profiles.
The range is built around value hands, clean blockers, and hands that realize equity well in MTT, 6-max.
Shorter stacks compress decisions; simplify to higher-EV lines without over-mixing.
Rake sensitivity matters most for marginal opens and thin calls, especially in cash.

Preflop Range Chart + How to Read It

CO is a positional spot where earlier positions must be tighter and more resilient versus 3-bets. 20bb stacks compress decisions; prioritize clean equity and avoid low-realization lines. MTT, 6-max environments reward consistency and rake-aware discipline.

How to Read the Chart

Poor realization = tighter continuation ranges, even with decent raw equity.
Blockers increase bluff quality and reduce opponents’ calling frequency.
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

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.

Balanced ranges combine strong value with blocker-driven bluffs to stay resilient versus aggression.

For MTT, 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.

Range work is compounding: small frequency fixes in common spots have the largest EV impact.

Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for CO Open-raise at 20bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

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

When stack depth changes, your Open-raise range should compress or expand accordingly; do not force fixed widths.

Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for CO Open-raise at 20bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

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

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

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

Against 3-bet-heavy tables, add blocker 4-bets and tighten cold calls.

Compare with: Section: MTT. Compare with: CO — Push/Fold 20bb (MTT, 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

using oversized bets on textures that require pot control
ignoring rake impact on marginal hands
opening too wide without positional awareness
calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
opening too wide without positional awareness

Training: 10-Minute Daily Drill

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

FAQ

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.

How do I train frequencies?

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

What matters more: blockers or realization?

Both. Blockers drive bluff EV; realization drives call EV.

Can I widen versus passive players?

Yes, but prioritize hands with strong playability and realization.