General Strategy Question: Correct Rasing Frequency, SB and Button

[FearNoEvil]

I did a search, this question is probably answered somewhere but I couldn't find it. I apologize that these are general and kind of newbie questions, but I am trying to clarify my thoughts on these concepts, and any input would be appreciated.

Edit: My questions apply to when you have 15BB or more.


In the SB, and it is folded to you, I have always operated on the assumption that it is correct to raise with the top 50% of hands since you are facing a random hand, and top 50% figures to be ahead. Do other players tend to act on this concept? Should this be adjusted down some since the SB is at a positional disadvantage?

From the button, it seems the top 25% of hands figure to be ahead at least half the time. This would be 22+,A2+,KTo+,K8s+,QTs+. Should this range be expanded due to positional advantage, and, if so, by how much? I know this depends a lot on the players, but I am interested in people's general strategy here.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[recondite7]

Early game I'm playing way less than 50% of hands.

Late game I'm pushing 95% of them into the small blind.

[Cowy]

I never really thought about it this way and would be very interested to get hear some opinions on this.

[modnareno]

This is close to what I use:

Big Blind Stack Position Push which hands

200 2200 SB 20.00%
200 2000 SB 25.00%
200 1800 SB 30.00%
200 1600 SB 45.00%
200 1400 SB 70.00%
200 1200 SB 100.00%

400 4000 SB 15.00%
400 3000 SB 50.00%
400 2400 SB 100.00%
400 2000 SB 100.00%

[Bronstein]

In the endgame I rely on the S-C nrs from NLHTP to determine the theoretical limit for pushing hands like A3o, K4s, ... By making that change I'm getting more aggr (not enough yet) and I feel 100% confident that it's the correct play. Thus 15BB pushes from the SB become reliable plays instead of gambles in my mind.

[Gelford]

Errr .. I hate to reveal my approah, but as unsexy as it sounds, this is me, and so far I am happy with results.


From small blind I only play premium hands for a raise, high pairs and very solid aces ... sure you are against a random hand, BUT ...

For one, stealing in blind confrontations is very popular, so BB's have a tendency to play back at you. I dislike facing a raise out of position, I also dislike playing out of position in general, so BB calls pf raise and then calls flop bet ... wtf now, stack is taking a hit, and it is all meh.

And if blinds are small then they will not help you much anyway (risk, reward)


So small blind comes into play when blinds are large enough to either validate a push or at least large enough so I do not mind either calling if BB pushes or come over the top facing a reraise.


Button is better, at least we are in position, so it depends on stacksize .... can we lay down or hand to a reraise (push) and still be happy with our stacksize ?

If yes, then go ahead.
If no, then nay !


This is not a cashgame, so the random hand +Chip EV considerations get an override from chip preservation considerations.

[Gelford]

[ QUOTE ]
This is close to what I use:

Big Blind Stack Position Push which hands

200 2200 SB 20.00%
200 2000 SB 25.00%
200 1800 SB 30.00%
200 1600 SB 45.00%
200 1400 SB 70.00%
200 1200 SB 100.00%

400 4000 SB 15.00%
400 3000 SB 50.00%
400 2400 SB 100.00%
400 2000 SB 100.00%

[/ QUOTE ]


This is BS .. or at least suboptimal. It all comes down to ICM and villians calling ranges. A lot more than just stacksize and blindsize factor in.

[JSH06]

Fearnoevil,
I think you should have let people know in your OP that you are a 6 man player. You can probably raise a little looser in a 6 man game vs a 9 man game because you're a little less likely to run into a big hand. Either way it's probably not that big of a deal.

In the early game 50% is way too loose for the SB. The blinds are not worth stealing. You're better off building a tight image so that your steals get more respect when the blinds matter.

In the earlier levels I think it's fine to raise from the SB w/ A2+, KJ+, KTs+, QJ+, QTs+, JTs+. Your range may be looser or tighter depending on the villain. You should still limp some hands too. Generally, (w/ no limpers) you'd be ok limping any king, and basically any 2 cards 7 or higher, as well as some suited connectors/suited 1 gappers... If you think BB is observant you will also want to mix in some limp with your raising hands too.

On the button I think you could use about the same raising range as I advocated for the SB. You may be against 2 players instead of 1 but you now have a positional advantage so it kind of cancels out. I think you're probably usually better off limping a hand like JTs or QTs on though with small blinds. Stealing the blinds isn't worth much and your hands has the potential to win a big pot.

Note that these raising standards apply to the early levels. Once the blinds hit 50/100 you should be loosening your standards & stealing more.