Preflop Strategy 2.5

Preflop · updated 2026-03-08

General

• Updated version of "Flop 2.0" with new sections:
• Squeeze spots
• Impact of rake on postflop
• Revised sizings and frequencies

1. Open Raise Sizings

CO:

• Shift from strict 3 bb to more flexible 2, 2.2, 2.25 — balancing EV and lowering TBH.
• Very small sizings (2.5) are less effective: field defends well.

BU:

• Standard — 3 bb. Higher EV: more calls, wide range, field is overplayed.

SB:

• Linear play, increased sizings:
• vs 2 bb — 9–10 bb
• vs 2.5 bb — 10–11 bb
• vs 3 bb — 11–12 bb

BB:

• Polar range → large sizings: up to 14–15 bb

2. Squeeze

• Always linear.
• Avoid overly large sizings.
• Use balanced hands only — no trash.

3. 4-Bet Sizings

• Reduced (close to min-click) for exploit.
• Example: 4–5x from 3-bet.

4. RFI by Position

• UTG: 12–18%
• MP: 14–21%
• CO: 20–26%
• BU: up to 39%
• Watch for deviations — self-control.

5. 3-Bets

• BU vs CO: 10–14%
• SB vs MP: ~5–8%
• BB vs SB: 14–20%
• Polar: high rake, calling tendencies.
• Linear: low rake, recreational players in call.

6. Rake Impact on Flop

• Caller suffers.
• Higher rake → fewer calls.
• Example: BB defense drops from 50% to 31%.

7. RFI Color Codes

• Red — profitable hands
• Orange — borderline
• Green — range expansions
• Tighten by removing orange first, then green.

8. Isolating Recreational Players (ISO)

• Fit-or-fold → wide.
• Aggressive recreational → tight.
• Avoid raising trash from BB.
• A2–A6 as traps.

9. Limping (SB vs BB)

• If unsure — play tight.
• If skilled — limp wide.

10. BB vs Different Sizings

• vs 2x — defend wider.
• vs 3x — defend tighter.
• vs 2.5x — common field mistake.

11. Polar vs Linear 3-Bet

• Depends on rake and field:
• Low stakes — linear.
• Higher stakes — polar.

12. Exploitative 3-Bet Formula

• In position: 40–50% of RFI.
• Out of position: 30–35%.
• Example: RFI 20% → 8–10% / 6–7%.

13. Cold Call

• Only vs recreational players and rarely.
• Otherwise — fold or 3-bet.

14. Call vs Squeeze

• Only strong hands.
• Trash — fold without regret.

15. Reaction to 4-Bet

• Call: TT, AKo, AQs (sometimes).
• JJ — borderline.
• OOP — jam or fold.

16. Playing vs 3-Bet

• IP: defend 60–70% of opens vs 3-bet.
• OOP: 50–60% or less.
• If unsure — fold.

17. Cold Call / Squeeze

• Avoid multiway without a plan.
• SPR matters.

18. Conclusions

• Field is wider, closer to GTO.
• BU/SB defend more actively.
• Polarity still effective.
• ISO and limps — situational.
• Squeeze and calls — only with a clear plan.

Source: Video "Preflop 2.5" by Greenline