Chapter 1: Preflop

The Key Points of Preflop

The details are in a separate volume. Here, only the parts used in later chapters

Five numbers to remember (open widths)

• UTG 16.1% / HJ 21.6% / CO 28.6%
• BTN 47.6% / SB 40.1% (all estimates)
• The order has no exceptions. The absolute values move with the rake

How to think about the boundary

• Cut hands that get dominated first (KJo, A9o)
• Next, cut offsuit hands with low realization
• Keep hands with blockers and nut potential until last

The shape of 3bets

• Polarized: the top (QQ+/AK) + the bottom (A5s–A2s)
• Linear: thicker from the top down
• Opponent with a strong range = lean polarized

4bets and 5bets

• 4bet to 2.2–2.5 times IP / 2.5–3 times OOP
• Value QQ+ and AK, bluffs A5s–A2s
• A 5bet at 100BB is effectively all-in

The job of preflop is to pin down two things: “your range” and “your opponent’s range.” With these still vague, there is no discussing the flop.

Four Things Decided Preflop

Before you reach the flop, the framework of the contest is already set

Range

Who can hold which hands. The foundation of every decision that follows.

Position

Who acts first. It affects equity realization.

SPR

The ratio of stack to pot. The upper limit of how far you can fight.

Initiative

Who raised last. It changes how convincing a bet is.

A hand you called “just because” always makes your decisions harder from the flop on.