Why This Matters
80% of your poker edge comes from preflop decisions. Playing the wrong hands from the wrong positions is the #1 leak. Master this first.
Training Modes
Open Raise: Should you raise when folded to you?
Facing Raise: Someone opened. 3-bet, call, or fold?
Facing 3-Bet: You opened, they 3-bet. Continue or fold?
Pro tip: Start with "Open Raise" until you get 90%+ accuracy, then move to "Facing Raise".
The Golden Rule: Position = Power
The later you act, the more hands you can profitably play. The Button (BTN) can open ~48% of hands. UTG only ~15%.
Position Names (Worst → Best)
UTG — Under the Gun. First to act. ~15% of hands.
MP — Middle Position. ~18% of hands.
CO — Cutoff. Start stealing. ~28% of hands.
BTN — Button. Best seat! ~48% of hands.
SB/BB — Blinds. Wide defense vs late position opens.
3-Betting Strategy
Value 3-bets: AA, KK, QQ, AK — Always 3-bet for value
Bluff 3-bets: A5s, A4s — Block AA/AK, have equity if called
Call (IP only): JJ, TT, AQs, suited connectors
SB Rule: Never flat call from the Small Blind. Either 3-bet or fold. You'll be out of position postflop.
Hand Notation
AKs = Ace-King suited (A♠K♠) — 4 combos
AKo = Ace-King offsuit (A♠K♥) — 12 combos
AA = Pocket Aces — 6 combos
Learning vs GTO Mode
Learning: Simplified tight ranges. Easy to memorize.
GTO: Solver-based ranges with mixed frequencies. More accurate but harder.
Keyboard
F = Fold R = Raise/3-Bet/4-Bet