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

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

Quick Summary

This preflop range chart for UTG Open-raise at 20bb in MTT, 6-max, low rake prioritizes playability and disciplined frequencies.
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 MTT, 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.

Preflop Range Chart + How to Read It

UTG 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

Blockers increase bluff quality and reduce opponents’ calling frequency.
Dense colors and 100% frequencies form the core of the preflop range.
Mixes require discipline: follow the shown frequency, not intuition.

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.

The goal of Open-raise is to win blinds and enter pots with hands that realize equity well in MTT, 6-max.

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

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

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

Build discipline by tagging hands that underperform postflop and re-checking their preflop inclusion.

For MTT, 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.

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: UTG — vs 3-bet 20bb (MTT, 6-max, low rake). Compare with: Section: MTT.

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

using oversized bets on textures that require pot control
opening too wide without positional awareness
calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
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.
Adjust frequencies and fix the highest-EV leaks.
Run 50–80 training decisions and record mistakes.

FAQ

Should I follow the chart strictly?

No. It is a baseline. Adjust to table tendencies, rake, and dynamics.

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.

How do I account for rake?

Higher rake = tighter marginal calls and opens, especially in cash.