Interactive Preflop Range Chart
Visual 13×13 preflop range matrix for 6-max No-Limit Hold'em. Select positions (UTG, HJ, CO, BTN, SB), view open-raise frequencies, and master preflop hand selection before the flop.
Range Statistics & Execution
Inspected Hand Details
AKsThe Sharp's Preflop Playbook: Why Position Dictates Everything
In 6-max online poker, your position at the table determines nearly 80% of your long-term win rate. From Under the Gun (UTG), you must act with five players behind who can hold premium hands. Therefore, an optimal UTG open-raise range includes only ~15.5% of hands — heavy on high pocket pairs, suited Broadway, and premium suited connectors.
On the Button (BTN), only the two blinds remain to act. You are guaranteed absolute postflop position on every single street. As a result, your opening frequency expands to ~48%, allowing you to aggressively exploit players who over-fold from the blinds while realizing superior fold equity.
Standard 6-Max Open-Raise Sizing Framework
| Position | Frequency % | Optimal Sizing | Strategic Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTG (Under the Gun) | 15.5% | 2.2 – 2.5 BB | Pure linear value against 5 remaining opponents. Strict discipline against dominated offsuit cards. |
| HJ (Hijack / MP) | 19.5% | 2.2 – 2.4 BB | Adds medium pocket pairs (66), suited Aces down to A3s, and suited connectors (87s). |
| CO (Cutoff) | 27.5% | 2.0 – 2.3 BB | Wide semi-steal range. Opens all pairs (22+), all suited Aces, and suited one-gappers. |
| BTN (Button) | 48.0% | 2.0 – 2.2 BB | Full steal range with guaranteed postflop position. Opens ~half of all starting hands. |
| SB (Small Blind) | 42.0% | 2.5 – 3.0 BB | Heads-up battle against BB. Uses larger sizing to offset playing out of position postflop. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many total starting hand combinations exist in Texas Hold'em? ▼
There are exactly 1,326 total combinations of two hole cards: 78 pocket pair combinations (6 of each pair), 312 suited combinations (4 of each suited combo), and 936 offsuit combinations (12 of each offsuit combo).
Why does the Button open so much wider than UTG? ▼
The Button is guaranteed to act last on all postflop betting rounds (flop, turn, and river), providing an enormous informational advantage. Fewer opponents also means a lower probability that someone holds an elite hand.
What is RFI in poker? ▼
RFI stands for "Raise First In". It refers to entering the pot with an open-raise when all preceding players have folded.
What open-raise size should I use in online cash games? ▼
At standard 100bb depth: 2.2bb to 2.5bb from UTG and HJ, 2.0bb to 2.3bb from CO and BTN, and 2.5bb to 3.0bb from the Small Blind.
Why are suited hands significantly more valuable than offsuit hands? ▼
Suited cards have ~2.5% higher raw preflop equity than their offsuit counterparts, but more importantly, they possess vastly superior playability: they flop flushes, flush draws, and backdoor draws that let you apply continuous postflop pressure.
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