Quick facts by PokerStrategy
- The cutoff is that spot at poker that sits directly to the dealer/button’s immediate right.
- The cutoff is a late position, offering a significant strategic advantage.
- Players in the cutoff can raise light, steal blinds, and control post-flop action.
- Cutoff knowledge in poker becomes relevant in exploiting position dynamics and making pre-flop adjustments.
What Is the Cutoff in Poker?
The cutoff in poker is the seat immediately to the right of the dealer. It’s a late position and a perfect strategic position. The cutoff means having a tendency to preempt the advantages of the button, acting once ahead of it.
The cutoff position is often used for stealing the blinds, continuing opening lines, or targeting weaker players. With only three players left to act, cutoff players can loosen up and play more hands. Whether you are playing in a casino or on online poker sites, the cutoff offers the seat’s tactical flexibility, allowing players the chance to play more hands profitably compared to early or middle positions.
Where Is the Cutoff Position?
The cutoff in poker is the seat directly to the right of the button. The cutoff is the second-latest position at a 6-max table; at full-ring (9-handed), it’s the third-latest.
Sitting in the cutoff (CO) position means that you have fewer players remaining to act behind you (just the button, small blind, and big blind). It is easier to steal the blinds, isolate limpers, and play speculative hands that are more difficult to play from early or middle positions.
Understanding Poker Table Positions
Position matters more than any other aspect of a given poker hand. Position defines a betting plan for a given player in a specific betting round and significantly impacts their strategy.
Poker positions are commonly referred to as early, mid, and late and carry a specific name and strategic significance per seat.
- UTG (Under the Gun): First to act pre-flop. Considered early position.
- MP (Middle Position): Seats between UTG and Hijack.
- HJ (Hijack): Right before the cutoff. Still middle, but closer to late.
- CO (Cutoff): The focus of this article. Right before the button.
- BTN (Button/Dealer): Last to act post-flop. The most advantageous seat.
- SB (Small Blind): Posts half a blind. Acts first post-flop.
- BB (Big Blind): Posts full blind. Acts last pre-flop but first post-flop.
Cutoff vs Button in Poker
To better understand how the cutoff compares to the button, the most powerful seat, let’s look at their differences:
| Feature | Cutoff (CO) | Button (BTN) |
|---|---|---|
| Acts before or after? | Acts before the button | Last to act in all post-flop streets |
| Positional Advantage | High | Highest |
| Steal Frequency | High (but less than BTN) | Highest |
| Hand Range | Wide, but slightly tighter than BTN | Widest range of any position |
Even though it’s acting prior to the button, the cutoff position can still be played aggressively with more hands. Nevertheless, players must be a bit more selective than on the button because there are indeed three players remaining to act.
Cutoff Range in Poker
Cutoff poker range is a pre-flop range that a player should open, call, or raise with from cutoff. It’s a late position, hence players have a chance to expand their pre-flop range compared to earlier positions.
Typical Cutoff Opening Range (9-handed)
A strong cutoff opening range might include:
- All pairs (22, 33, etc.).
- All suited broadways (KQs, QJs, JTs).
- Suited connectors (T9s, 98s, 87s).
- Suited one-gappers (J9s, T8s).
- Offsuit Broadways (KQo, QJo).
- Strong suited Aces (ATs+).
- Weaker suited Aces (A9s–A2s) depending on table dynamics.
Advanced players may adjust this range based on stack sizes, opponents’ tendencies, and table image. Understanding cutoff in poker meaning includes recognizing that this is a profitable position to raise light and steal pots.
Cutoff Poker Strategy
Playing well from the poker cutoff position involves striking a balance between aggression and caution. While you can open wider, overdoing it can backfire if blinds defend or the button re-raises.
Key Cutoff Strategies
- Steal the Blinds: The cutoff is ideal for blind-stealing due to its late action. Raise with a variety of hands, especially if the button is tight.
- Isolate Limpers: If earlier players limp, isolate them with raises from the cutoff to play heads-up in position.
- Avoid Flat-Calling Too Often: Especially versus early position raises, avoid calling too much. Instead, 3-bet or fold.
- 3-Bet Light: Use your position to 3-bet opponents who open too wide from middle positions.
- Use Weak Buttons: If the button is passive or risk-averse, you can expand your opening distance and take the lead.
Learning a good cutoff poker strategy can enable players to win money in both cash games and tournament games.
Common Mistakes When Playing from the Cutoff
Despite its strength, many players misuse the cutoff by making these common mistakes:
- Opening Very wide and Never Making Selective Adjustments: Beginners’ worst mistake is opening very wide and never making selective adjustments.
- Folding to 3-Bets: When you’re opening wide from the cutoff, you’ll have to be okay with folding to 3-bets by aggressive players.
- Three-Betting as a Call: Especially on marginal holdings, 3-betting instead of calling or folding can build tough post-flop scenarios.
- Stack Size Ignoring: In tourneys, don’t pop automatically if you’re a short-stack in blinds and on course to shove.
You can prevent committing these errors by making your cutoff poker betting more profitable and predictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cutoff and hijack in poker?
The cutoff is one seat to the right of the button, while the hijack is two seats to the right. The cutoff has a stronger positional advantage and a wider standard opening range.
Is the cutoff a good position in poker?
Yes, the cutoff in poker is one of the strongest positions at the table. It offers the opportunity to play more hands profitably.
What hands should I raise from the cutoff?
You should raise a wide range, including all pairs, suited connectors, broadway cards, and many suited Aces. Adjust your range based on opponents and stack depth.
How often should I steal from the cutoff?
You can steal frequently, especially if the button, small blind, and big blind are tight or passive. Aim for 30–40% of hands in optimal conditions.
Where is the cutoff in poker?
The cutoff is the seat immediately to the right of the dealer/button and is considered a late position.
How should I play from the cutoff?
Play aggressively with a loose but respectful variation. Play the spot to steal, isolate, and pressure on flops, but don’t underestimate opponent tendencies and table dynamics.