Quick Summary
- The range is built around value hands, clean blockers, and hands that realize equity well in MTT, 6-max.
- Treat the chart as a baseline: adjust for table dynamics, rake pressure, and opponent profiles.
- Shorter stacks compress decisions; simplify to higher-EV lines without over-mixing.
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.
- Poor realization = tighter continuation ranges, even with decent raw equity.
Baseline Range Reference
- Push: AA, KK, QQ, AKs, AKo, JJ, TT, AQs, AJs, KQs, AQo
- Marginal: 99, 88, ATs, KJs
Range Logic: Why These Hands
The goal of Push/Fold 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.
See also: UTG — vs 3-bet 20bb (MTT, 6-max, low rake). See also: Section: MTT.
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.
Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for UTG Push/Fold 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.
For MTT, 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.
Use this preflop range chart as a baseline for UTG Push/Fold at 20bb. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
When stack depth changes, your Push/Fold range should compress or expand accordingly; do not force fixed widths.
Build discipline by tagging hands that underperform postflop and re-checking their preflop inclusion.
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
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: BTN — Open-raise 20bb (MTT, 6-max, low rake). Compare with: UTG — Open-raise 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
- calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
- calling 3-bets without a clear postflop plan
- opening too wide without positional awareness
- over-mixing and drifting from target frequencies
- ignoring rake impact on marginal hands
Training: 10-Minute Daily Drill
- Adjust frequencies and fix the highest-EV leaks.
- Repeat weekly and track EV improvements.
- Run 50–80 training decisions and record mistakes.
- Pick 10–15 borderline hands from the chart.
FAQ
How do I train frequencies?
Use a trainer, track mistakes, and repeat the same spots in focused sessions.
Can I widen versus passive players?
Yes, but prioritize hands with strong playability and realization.
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.
What matters more: blockers or realization?
Both. Blockers drive bluff EV; realization drives call EV.
