🎯 Preflop Open-Raise Ranges in 6-max NLH (100bb)

UTG (≈ 15–18%)

• Pairs: 22+
• Broadways: AJo+, KQo, sometimes KJo
• Suited: ATs+, KTs+, QTs+, JTs
• Connectors: T9s, occasionally 98s

👉 From early position we play extremely tight. There’s a high chance of facing calls or 3-bets, so weak hands are easily dominated. Small pocket pairs are playable for set mining, while strong aces and broadways provide solid equity postflop. A narrow opening range reduces the risk of tough out-of-position spots. Many beginners make the mistake of opening too wide here.

MP (≈ 20–22%)

• Pairs: 22+
• Broadways: ATo+, KQo
• Suited: ATs+, KTs+, QTs+, J9s+, T9s, 98s, 87s
• Sometimes: 76s, 65s

👉 In middle position the range widens slightly. We add more suited connectors and mid-strength aces that can realize equity well. Broadways and pairs remain the foundation, but there’s more room for creativity. Finding balance is key: too narrow means losing blinds, too loose risks getting dominated by aggressive opponents. This spot allows gradual expansion without overextending.

CO (≈ 27–30%)

• Pairs: 22+
• Offsuit: A9o+, KTo+, QTo+, JTo
• Suited: A2s+, K7s+, Q8s+, J8s+, T8s+, 97s+, 86s, 76s
• Sometimes: 54s, 65s

👉 The cutoff is a great place to apply pressure. With only two players left behind, we can start stealing blinds more aggressively. Suited aces and connectors perform well for semi-bluffs on later streets. Very often we’ll have position on the blinds, which is a huge strategic advantage. Against tight opponents open wider; against looser players, narrow down slightly to avoid traps.

BTN (≈ 45–55%)

• Pairs: 22+
• Offsuit: A2o+, K7o+, Q8o+, J8o+, T8o+
• Suited: almost all Ax, Kx, Qx, Jx, connectors down to 54s
• Even weak suited combos can be playable

👉 The button is the most profitable seat at the table. Here we open the widest range, since we always play with position. Even medium-strength hands can generate steady profit with correct play. Blinds will defend aggressively, so adapting and applying postflop pressure is crucial. Mastering BTN opens is vital for winrate in 6-max — neglecting this spot means leaving a lot of money on the table.

SB (≈ 35–45%)

• Pairs: 22+
• Offsuit: A2o+, K8o+, Q9o+, J9o+, T9o
• Suited: A2s+, K2s+, Q5s+, J7s+, T6s+, 95s+, 85s+, 75s+, 65s
• Occasionally: Q8o, J8o, T8o

👉 The small blind is tough, as we’re always out of position postflop. Still, we can’t just give up chips every orbit. Best strategy: raise or fold, minimizing limps. The open range can be fairly wide, but not excessively loose, otherwise we’ll face too many marginal spots without position. Discipline and opponent awareness are key for making the SB profitable.

BB

❌ Normally we don’t open-raise, except to isolate limpers (≈ 15–20%).

👉 From the big blind, opening makes little sense since part of the bet is already invested and we can often check for free. The focus here is on defending vs raises or isolating weak limps. Strong suited aces, connectors, and premium broadways work well for aggression. A balanced mix of calls and 3-bets prevents opponents from exploiting our BB play.