2026 Preflop GTO Ranges: Complete Guide and Usage Tips

Introduction

Preflop strategy is the foundation of Texas Hold'em, and GTO range charts are the ultimate reference for preflop decisions.

This article provides a detailed analysis of the latest 2026 preflop GTO ranges.

What are Preflop GTO Range Charts?

Basic Definition

Preflop GTO range charts show which hands you should play in specific situations (opening, 3-betting, calling) based on position and game conditions.

Range Notation

Symbol	Meaning
AA-TT	AA, KK, QQ, JJ, TT
AKs-A2s	Suited Ax and A2
AKo-A2o	Off-suit Ax and A2
22+	All pocket pairs
15%	Top 15% of hands

6-Max Preflop GTO Ranges

Opening Ranges

UTG (Button -3)

Range size: ~10-12%

Hand Type	Specific Hands
AA-TT	All pairs
AKs-AQs	Suited AK, AQ
AKo-AQo	Off-suit AK, AQ
AJs-ATs	Suited AJ, AT

UTG+1 (Button -2)

Range size: ~12-14%

Hand Type	Specific Hands
AA-99	All pairs
AKs-ATs	Suited AK-AT
AKo-ATo	Off-suit AK-AT
KQs	Suited KQ
QJs	Suited QJ

CO (Button -1)

Range size: ~20-25%

Hand Type	Specific Hands
AA-88	All pairs
AKs-ATs	Suited AK-AT
AKo-AJo	Off-suit AK-AJ
KQs-KJs	Suited KQ-KJ
QJs	Suited QJ
JTs	Suited JT
T9s	Suited T9

BTN (Button)

Range size: ~40-50%

Hand Type	Specific Hands
AA-77	All pairs
AKs-A2s	All suited Ax
AKo-AJo	Off-suit AK-AJ
KQs-KTs	Suited KQ-KT
QJs-QTs	Suited QJ-QT
JTs-98s	Suited JT-98
T9s-87s	Suited T9-87
76s	Suited 76
KJo	Off-suit KJ

SB (Small Blind)

Range size: ~25-30%

Hand Type	Specific Hands
AA-88	All pairs
AKs-ATs	Suited AK-AT
AKo-AJo	Off-suit AK-AJ
KQs-KTs	Suited KQ-KT
QJs	Suited QJ
JTs	Suited JT
T9s	Suited T9

BB (Big Blind)

Range size: Call ~15%, 3-bet ~5%

Calling Range:

Hand Type	Specific Hands
AA-77	All pairs
AKs-ATs	All suited Ax
AKo-ATo	Off-suit AK-AT
KQs-KJs	Suited KQ-KJ
QJs	Suited QJ
JTs	Suited JT

3-Bet Range:

Hand Type	Specific Hands
AA-TT	All pairs
AKs-AQs	Suited AK, AQ
AKo-AQo	Off-suit AK, AQ

3-Bet Ranges

3-Bet vs Open

vs UTG Open (Range ~10%)

3-bet range: ~5-6%

Hand Type	Specific Hands	Frequency
AA-TT	All pairs	100%
AKs-AQs	Suited AK, AQ	100%
AKo-AQo	Off-suit AK, AQ	~50-70%

vs CO Open (Range ~20%)

3-bet range: ~6-8%

Hand Type	Specific Hands	Frequency
AA-TT	All pairs	100%
AKs-AQs	Suited AK, AQ	100%
AKo-AQo	Off-suit AK, AQ	~70-100%
JJ	JJ	~50%

vs BTN Open (Range ~40%)

3-bet range: ~8-10%

Hand Type	Specific Hands	Frequency
AA-TT	All pairs	100%
AKs-AQs	Suited AK, AQ	100%
AKo-AQo	Off-suit AK, AQ	100%
JJ	JJ	~80%
TT	TT	~30%

Defense Ranges

Big Blind Defense

vs CO Raise (after 3-bet call)

Hand Type	Call Frequency
AA-99	100%
88-77	~80%
AKs-ATs	100%
AKo-ATo	~80%
KQs	~70%
QJs	~60%

vs BTN Raise

Hand Type	Call Frequency
AA-88	100%
77-66	~80%
AKs-ATs	100%
AKo-ATo	~80%
KQs-KJs	~70%
QJs	~60%
JTs	~50%

Small Blind Defense

vs CO Raise

Hand Type	Action	Frequency
AA-TT	3-bet	100%
AKs-AQs	3-bet	100%
AKo-AQo	3-bet	~50%
JJ-88	3-bet	~30%
Others	Fold	-

Tournament-Specific Ranges (MTT)

ICM Adjustments

Bubble Period Range Tightening

Situation	Adjustment
Bubble	Tighten 20-30%
Large prize jump	Tighten 30-50%
Short stack (<15bb)	Use push/fold strategy

Short Stack All-In Ranges (<15bb)

No Ante Period

Position	All-in Range
UTG	~8% (AA-88, AKs-AQs, AKo)
MP	~12%
CO	~20%
BTN	~35%
SB	~30%
BB	Calling range expands accordingly

How to Use GTO Range Charts

Learning Steps

Start with basics: Memorize core ranges first
Learn by position: Master one position at a time
Understand logic: Don't memorize mechanically
Apply in play: Verify in actual games
Regular review: Memory needs repetition

Memory Techniques

Technique	Description
Group memory	Remember similar hands as one group
Position pattern	Wider toward the button
Frequency memory	Remember percentage, not specific hands
Logical understanding	Understand why certain hands are in range

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Correct Approach
Mechanical memorization	Understand underlying logic
Static application	Adjust based on opponents
Passive study	Verify and memorize through play
Range too wide	Start tight, expand gradually
Range too tight	Remember ranges widen toward button

Range Chart Usage Notes

Adjustment Principles

GTO ranges are baselines; adjust based on these factors:

Factor	Adjustment Direction
Loose opponent	Can widen
Tight opponent	Should tighten
Aggressive opponent	Be careful of 3-bets
Passive opponent	Can widen
Deep stacks	Ranges can widen
Short stacks	Use Push/Fold charts

Special Situations

Situation	Adjustment
Opponent loves to call 3-bets	Reduce 4-bet bluffs
Opponent rarely 3-bets	Can 3-bet more
Opponent pool is loose	Can open wider
Opponent pool is tight	Need stronger ranges

Tools and Resources

Recommended Tools

Tool	Purpose
Our GTO Solver	Preflop range lookup
GTO+	Deep analysis
Upswing Lab	Dynamic range charts

Free Resources

Resource	Description
PokerStrategy ranges	Free reference
YouTube tutorials	Video learning

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

Ranges are foundation: Preflop ranges determine overall strategy
Position matters: Wider toward the button
Frequencies are dynamic: Different hands have different frequencies
Adjust flexibly: GTO is baseline, not rigid rule
Continuous learning: Range charts need regular updates

Next Steps

← GTO Software Comparison

→ How to Analyze Hands with GTO

Last updated: April 2026