Mastering preflop strategy is one of the most critical components of becoming a profitable cash game poker player. Your decisions before the flop set the tone for the rest of the hand and often determine whether you end up in a strong or weak position.
Unlike tournaments, cash games involve deeper stacks and stable blinds, allowing for more nuanced preflop play. Whether you’re playing online or live, understanding preflop fundamentals can significantly impact your win rate and long-term consistency.
Understanding Starting Hand Selection
The first step to solid preflop strategy is knowing which hands to play and from which positions. Not all hands are created equal, and your location at the table matters just as much as your cards.
Premium Hands
Hands like AA, KK, QQ, AK (suited or offsuit) are considered premium and should be raised or 3-bet in nearly every position. These hands are strong enough to dominate most ranges and should be played aggressively.
Speculative Hands
Hands such as small pairs (22–66) and suited connectors (65s, 87s) can be profitable in deep-stack cash games if played from late position or in multi-way pots. These hands rely on post-flop playability and implied odds.
Trash Hands
Hands like 83 offsuit, T2 offsuit, or Q5 offsuit should almost always be folded. They lack both strength and potential.
Positional Awareness
Position is everything in cash games. Being in a later position means you get to act after your opponents, giving you more information to work with.
-
Early Position (UTG, UTG+1): Tightest range. Play only premium hands.
-
Middle Position (MP): Open up slightly with hands like AQ, TT–99, and suited broadways.
-
Late Position (CO, Button): Play wider ranges including suited connectors, suited aces, and weaker broadway hands.
-
Blinds: Be cautious. Defend with hands that have post-flop playability but avoid weak offsuit hands.
Raise Sizing and Frequency
In most cash games, standard preflop raise sizing is between 2.5x to 3x the big blind, depending on table dynamics. The goal is to build the pot with strong hands and narrow the field.
-
Use larger raises when out of position to protect your equity.
-
Use smaller raises in position to control the pot size and allow weaker hands to continue.
3-Betting and 4-Betting Strategy
A strong 3-bet (re-raise) strategy punishes loose openers and balances your range.
-
3-bet for value with hands like QQ+, AK.
-
3-bet bluff with suited aces or blockers like A5s, KTs in the right situations.
-
4-bet only premium hands unless you’re facing overly aggressive opponents.
Adjusting to Opponents
No preflop strategy is complete without the ability to adapt.
-
Against tight players, widen your opening and stealing range.
-
Against loose players, tighten your range and play stronger hands for value.
-
Exploit limpers by raising in position with a wider range.
FAQ
1. Why is preflop strategy more important in cash games than in tournaments?
In cash games, players are usually deeper stacked, and blinds stay constant. This makes preflop decisions more impactful, especially when it comes to stack-to-pot ratios and post-flop maneuverability.
2. How should I play from the small blind or big blind preflop?
From the blinds, you should defend with hands that play well post-flop, like suited connectors or broadway cards. However, be cautious and avoid calling raises with weak offsuit hands.
3. What is the best preflop strategy against aggressive players?
Tighten up your range and use their aggression against them. Trap with strong hands and avoid marginal situations. You can also re-raise with strong blockers to push back when they get too loose.
