Preflop

Opening Ranges by Position in 6-Max No-Limit Hold'emStart here

Learn why 6-max opening ranges widen by position, how wide UTG, HJ, CO, BTN, and SB usually open, and how to adjust to the players behind you.

Open-Raise Sizing in Poker: How Big Should You Open Preflop?

Learn open-raise sizing in poker: why players use 2 to 3 big blinds, how limpers and the small blind change the size, and how antes reshape the math.

The limp: why almost never

Open limping usually gives up fold equity, loses the initiative, and invites isolation. Learn when limping can work and how to spot limpers at your table.

How to isolate a limper

Learn when to isolation raise a limper, which hands to use, how big to make it, and how the players left to act change the spot.

Cold Calling Preflop in Poker: When Flat Calling Beats 3-Betting or Folding

Learn when to flat call an open raise preflop, which hands play well, why position and the small blind matter, and how to avoid squeeze traps.

When to 3-bet preflop: value hands, bluff hands, linear vs polarized ranges

Learn when to 3-bet, which hands belong to value or bluff ranges, and how opener tendencies change your preflop strategy.

3-bet sizing: how big should you 3-bet in position and out of position?

Learn how to size your 3-bets in poker, why about 3x the open in position and about 4x out of position is a strong default, and how sizing changes pot odds and stack-to-pot ratio.

Facing a 3-Bet After You Open: When to Call, 4-Bet, or Fold

Learn how to respond when someone 3-bets after your open. Use position, pot odds, stack depth, and the 3-bettor's range to decide whether to call, 4-bet, or fold.

The 4-Bet and the 5-Bet

Learn what a 4-bet and a 5-bet mean in poker, when to value 4-bet or bluff with blockers, the usual sizes, and when a 100bb stack goes in.

Squeeze in Poker: What It Is, Why It Works, and How to Use It

Learn what a squeeze is in poker, why it works after an open and a call, which hands to use, how big to make it, and who to target.

Blind Stealing in Poker: Why It Works, Break-Even Math, and How to Steal Wider

Learn blind stealing from the cutoff, button, and small blind, with break-even math, fold-to-steal and 3-bet adjustments, and practical examples.

Small Blind Strategy

Learn how to play the small blind: why it is the worst seat, when to raise or complete, when to 3-bet instead of call, and how to handle blind versus blind pots.

Big Blind Defense in Poker: How Wide to Defend, Call, and 3-Bet

Learn big blind defense in poker. See why the big blind defends widest, how open size and position change your range, and when to call, 3-bet, or fold.

Small Pocket Pairs and Set Mining

Learn how set mining with small pocket pairs works: the 11.8% chance to flop a set, the stack sizes you need, and when to fold preflop.

Suited Connectors

Learn what suited connectors like 76s and 98s really flop, why they need position and deep stacks, how they fare against big cards and pairs, and when to fold them.

Preflop Charts: How to Read, Use, and Then Move Beyond Them

Learn how to read preflop charts on the 13x13 grid, use them to study faster, understand where they come from, and deviate against real opponents.