Opening Ranges by Position: What to Open and Where

Position Determines Your Range

In poker, the most important factor in deciding which hands to play is position.

A hand opened from UTG (first to act) and a hand opened from BTN (last to act) carry completely different values. The more players left to act behind you, the greater the risk of facing a 3-bet, and the higher the chance you'll be OOP postflop.

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Opening Ranges by Position

UTG — The Tightest (≈7%)

Five players remain behind you. This is the seat most likely to face a 3-bet.

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HJ — Slightly Wider (≈11%)

Only four players remain behind you, compared to UTG.

UTG range + additions:

• Pocket pairs: Add 77
• Suited: Add A9s, KTs, QTs, T9s
• Offsuit: Add AJo, KQo

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CO — Get Aggressive (≈18%)

Only BTN and the blinds remain. Your opening range widens significantly.

HJ range + additions:

• Pocket pairs: Add 66, 55
• Suited: Add A8s–A2s, K9s, Q9s, J9s, 87s, 76s, 65s
• Offsuit: Add ATo, KJo, QJo

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BTN — The Widest (≈34%)

The best position at the table. Only the blinds are left, and you always have position postflop.

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SB — Raise or Fold (≈40%)

The SB is a unique position. Only BB remains, but you are always OOP postflop.

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Opening Size: Optimal Sizing by Position

Position	Online	Live	Reason
UTG	2–2.5bb	3–4bb	High 3-bet probability, minimize risk
HJ	2–2.5bb	3–4bb	Similar to UTG
CO	2.3–2.5bb	3–4bb	Middle position
BTN	2.5bb	3–4bb	Only blinds remain, larger size OK
SB	3bb	4bb	Compensate for OOP disadvantage — largest size

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Most Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake	Why It's a Problem	Correction
Opening too wide from UTG	Awkward when 3-bet, weak range OOP	UTG should be ≈15% only
Opening too tight from BTN	Wasting opportunities from the best position	BTN should open ≈45%
Limping/calling from SB	OOP + multiway = worst-case scenario	Raise or fold
Same range from every position	Ignoring the value of position	Refer to position-specific range charts
Overplaying "decent-looking" hands like K♠J♦, Q♥T♣	Offsuit broadways are vulnerable to domination	Prioritize suited; be selective with offsuit

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Practical Checklist

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Source: Red Chip Poker, GTO Wizard Blog, Upswing Poker