Hold'em strategy articles in the Preflop category.
Straddle + ante structures add a large amount of dead money to the preflop pot, changing the traditional “no cold calling” principle. This article breaks down practical criteria for which hands to call, 3-bet, or fold from EP and the BTN.
In Mississippi straddle games, the button has already put money in and still has position, so most positions need to respond to raises much tighter than usual. When an SB open is combined with rake in particular, calling ranges compress sharply.
The small blind has already put money in, but it is almost always out of position. This article explains how to reduce losses through stealing, 3-betting, disciplined calling, adjusting to the BB’s tendencies, and avoiding donk bets.
Explains why open limping is structurally weak, when you can isolate wide, and when you should proceed carefully. Covers practical standards from preflop sizing to flop c-bet strategy.
Opening sizes should vary by position. We break down optimal sizing for each seat, plus the key differences between online and live play.
3-bet or fold is the default, but there are hands and situations where cold calling from the BTN is the most profitable play.
Your 4-bet range should be polarized. Learn how to properly balance value (AA, KK) with bluffs (A5s, A4s).
A 3-bet isn't just a 'strong hand raise.' Learn how to construct value and bluff 3-bet ranges and adapt by position.
Steal the pot with a big 3-bet behind an open raise and a cold call. Master the sizing, hand selection, and timing of the squeeze play.
The big blind gets great pot odds but is always OOP. Learn how to adjust your defense range and 3-bet strategy based on the opener's position.
Tight from UTG, wide from BTN. A complete guide to opening ranges and sizing by position in 6-max cash games.
