BB Defense: How Wide Should You Call?

BB Is a Unique Position

The BB is the most distinctive seat at the preflop table:

• You've already invested 1bb, so the calling cost is cheap (great pot odds)
• You act last preflop (information advantage)
• But postflop, you are always OOP (the biggest downside)

These two factors pull in opposite directions, making BB defense one of the most nuanced decisions in poker.

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BB Defense Through the Lens of Pot Odds

If BTN opens to 2.5bb, what are BB's pot odds?

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BB Defense Range by Opponent's Position

The opener's position changes their range strength, and BB's defense must adjust accordingly.

Opener Position	Opener's Range	BB Calling Range	BB 3-Bet Range
UTG (≈15%)	Very strong	Narrow (≈20%)	Narrowest
HJ (≈20%)	Strong	Medium (≈25%)	Narrow
CO (≈28%)	Average	Wide (≈33%)	Medium
BTN (≈45%)	Wide	Very wide (≈40%)	Wide
SB (≈40%)	Wide	Widest (≈45%)	Very wide

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Call vs 3-Bet from BB

Hands That Prefer Calling

• Suited connectors (8♥7♥, T♠9♠): Hidden nut potential, good implied odds
• Suited aces (A♦5♦): Nut flush draw + blocker value. Against BTN, also usable as a 3-bet bluff
• Middle pocket pairs (77–TT): Set-mining value; 3-betting runs into awkward 4-bet spots
• Suited broadways (K♠J♠, Q♥T♥): Showdown value + draw potential

Hands That Prefer 3-Betting

• Value 3-bets: QQ+, AK — profitable even when called
• Bluff 3-bets: A5s–A2s, K9s, 76s — blocker effect + fold equity

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Cash Game vs Tournament Differences

Factor	Cash Game	Tournament
BB defense range	Wide	Narrow (ICM pressure)
3-bet frequency	High	Situational (decreases near bubble)
Set mining	Aggressive (100bb deep)	Stack-depth dependent
Suited connectors	Actively call	Fold below 20bb stacks

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Practical Checklist

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Source: Upswing Poker