MTT-Oriented Plan for Fixing UTG and Overall Anti-Passivity

Positions · updated 2026-03-08

Below are benchmark ranges/frequencies, decision matrices versus 3-bets, and a training set. The format is for an advanced player.

1) Diagnosis → Goals (KPI)

Main leaks: over-calling 3-bets UTG, excessive UTG RFI in deep stacks, low turn/river aggression (protection/thin value), low WSF on BB.

Goals for 6–8 weeks

• UTG winrate: +10–12 bb/100
• UTG Fold to 3-bet: 50–60%; 4-bet: 2.5–4% (see structure below)
• RFI UTG: 12–16% @30–50bb; tighten @60bb+
• WSF (BB) ≥ 38%
• Bet vs missed c-bet (IP/OOP) ≥ 60%
• Probe river ≥ 50% in marked lines

2) Preflop: Benchmark UTG Ranges (MTT, Ante, 9-max)

Principle: deeper stack → tighter UTG; shorter stack → slightly wider due to steal/push equity and 4-bet pressure.

20–25bb (low/medium ICM, early/middle stage)

RFI (~14%): 55+; AJo+, KQo; A5s–A2s, A9s+; KTs+, QTs+, JTs, T9s.
Exclude: low suited connectors/gappers (54s, 64s, 86s, 97s), marginal offsuits (KTo, QTo, QJo).

AQo: usually raise-fold; exclude call vs 3-bet; 4-bet with fold plan mix vs late/BB 3-bets.

30–40bb (baseline for most stages)

RFI (~14–15%): 55+; AJo+, KQo; A5s–A2s, A9s+; KTs+, QTs+, JTs, T9s, sometimes 98s (if no aggro behind).
K9s/K8s: only in passive tables; default fold.
22–44: fold/mix; UTG set mining is unprofitable.

50–60bb+

Tighten to ~12–13%: 66+; AJo+, KQo; A5s–A2s, AJs+; KTs+, QTs+, JTs, T9s.
Remove 98s/low SCs with low realization OOP versus 3-bet fields.

3) Versus 3-bet: Decision Matrix (UTG RFI)

Default (no specific reads, 30–40bb):

3.1 3-bet from BTN/CO (they IP)

• 4-bet value: QQ+, AK
• 4-bet bluff (~50% mix): A5s–A4s (blockers + playability), sometimes KQs vs over-bluffers
• Call: AQs, JJ–TT, KQs (mix), rarely AKo/AQo depending on 3-bet sizing/position and ante structure
• Fold: AQo (almost always), A9s/A7s, all marginal/SCs

3.2 3-bet from SB/BB (we IP / they OOP)

Versus linear blind range:
- Value 4-bet: JJ+, AK
- Bluff 4-bet: A5s–A4s
- Call: AQs, TT–JJ, KQs, sometimes AKo vs SB
- Fold: AQo, A9s/A7s, QJo, etc.

Golden rule for your leak: "UTG vs 3-bet = 4-bet or fold" for AQo/marginal suited aces. Calling these hands is a main losing pattern.

4) Postflop: Increasing Aggression (Protection + Thin Value)

4.1 Frequencies/Sizing Skeleton (universal for MTT)

• Flop (UTG RFI vs 1 caller): bet 33–40% with range bias; on dynamic boards mix 33/66%.
• Turn: if hand has vulnerable equity (top pair w/o nut kicker, overpair on dynamic board, draws lacking SDV) — barrel 60–75%.
• River:
• Thin value (TP with top kicker, 2 pairs, vulnerable mids): 33–50%.
• Double-bluff only if nuts/flush draws complete and you have blockers.
• After x/x lines — auto-stab 44–66% vs regs with low river-stab.

4.2 Mandatory "Protection Bet Spots"

You have equity advantage but vulnerable hands:
- KQ on K85 (vs BB), AQ on A-x-r, any TP on wet turns — must bet.
Goal: deny 21–30% combined equity (FD+GS etc).

Last value street = river: build habit to bet thinly vs recreational or passive regs.

5) BB Aggression: Fast Upgrades

WSF target ≥ 38%

• Bet vs missed c-bet (IP+OOP) ≥ 60%.
• Probe turn/river after check-check — mandatory (turn 50–60%, river 50–70%).
• Donk from BB on low/connected boards (6-5-3tt, 8-7-5r): 33–44%; if board shifts in your favor — raise or size up.

6) "Red Zone" — Forbidden Hands/Actions (UTG)

Do not open: QJo, KTo, QTo, J3o, 54s/64s/86s/97s, 22–44 (baseline). Exceptions only for soft tables/KO dynamics.
Do not call 3-bets: AQo, A9s/A7s, KJs/QJs OOP vs linear blinds.
Do not widen UTG @60bb+ for "playability" — tighten instead.

7) Training Plan (4 Weeks)

Week 1–2 (Strict Preflop Discipline / vs 3-bet)

• Filter in DB: "UTG RFI → faced 3-bet → call" — tag all hands; ban calls with AQo/Axs below AJs/KQs.
• Rule: AQo/marginal Axs = 4-bet or fold.
• Session counters: Fold to 3-bet UTG ≥ 55%; 4-bet 3%±.

Week 3 (Postflop Protection/Thin Value)

• Drill "Check-check-bet river": play 100+ spots, bet river 50–66% even with A-high/third pair vs passive lines.
• Drill "Bet-check-bet": after flop bet and turn check — mandatory river bet 85% on blanks vs field; evaluate ranges on turn.

Week 4 (BB Aggression)

• Goals: Bet vs missed c-bet ≥ 60%; Probe river ≥ 50%.
• Drill donks on low boards: 50 hands with donk 33–44%, analyze SPR/nut distribution.

8) Quick Exploits by Opponent Type

• Recreational: larger value bets (50–75%/75%/75%+), fewer thin bluffs; more river block bets.
• Passive reg: overfolds river → strengthen check-check-bet and bet-check-bet lines.
• Active reg: increase 4-bet bluffs (A5s/A4s); postflop — small flop, large turn sizing on dynamic textures.

9) UTG vs 3-bet Cheat Sheet (30–40bb)

• QQ+, AK → 4-bet for value
• A5s–A4s → 4-bet bluff (mix)
• AQo → fold by default / 4-bet vs late and frequent 3-betters; never call
• AQs, JJ–TT, KQs → call (mix) vs late positions; more folds vs linear blind ranges
• A9s/A7s, QJo, low SC/PP → fold

10) Session Checklists

Before session: say aloud "UTG — tank: 4-bet or fold, no calls with AQo/A9s/A7s."
During session: tracker widget with KPIs (Fold to 3-bet UTG, 4-bet%, Bet vs missed c-bet).
After session: review 5 hands where turn/river protection bet was missed.