Complete Preflop Ranges Chart Guide: Every Position Explained
Why Preflop Ranges Charts Matter
Preflop is where every poker hand begins, and the decisions you make before the flop set the tone for the entire hand. A preflop ranges chart is a visual tool that shows you exactly which hands to play from each position at the table. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player refining your strategy, understanding preflop ranges is the single most impactful thing you can do to improve your win rate.
How to Read a Preflop Ranges Chart
A standard preflop chart uses a 13x13 grid representing all 169 starting hand combinations. Each cell in the grid corresponds to a specific hand, and the color or label tells you the recommended action: raise, call, 3-bet, or fold. The chart is organized with pocket pairs on the diagonal, suited hands in the upper right, and offsuit hands in the lower left.
Understanding the 13x13 Matrix
The matrix maps every possible starting hand combination. Pairs like AA, KK, QQ run diagonally. Suited connectors like 87s appear in the upper triangle. Offsuit hands like AKo fill the lower triangle. This visual layout makes it easy to see your entire range at a glance and understand how different hand types relate to each other.
Preflop Ranges by Position
UTG (Under the Gun) Range: 12-15%
UTG is the hardest position at the table. You act first postflop, so you need a tight, premium range. Open approximately 12-15% of hands including all pairs AA-22, strong broadways like AK and AQ, and a few suited connectors for balance. Avoid weak hands that play poorly out of position.
MP (Middle Position) Range: 16-20%
From MP, you can open a slightly wider range than UTG. Add hands like AJs, KQs, and more suited connectors. The key principle: each position further from UTG allows for a progressively wider range.
CO (Cutoff) Range: 25-30%
The cutoff is where ranges start to open up significantly. You can add suited one-gappers, more suited connectors, and weaker aces. CO is the second most profitable position at the table.
BTN (Button) Range: 40-50%
The button is the most profitable position in poker. You act last on every postflop street, giving you maximum information. Open a wide range including any pair, most suited connectors, suited kings, and many offsuit broadways.
SB (Small Blind) Range
The small blind is tricky because you are out of position postflop but have a discount on calling. For open-raising, use a tight range similar to MP. For completing from the SB when there is a limp, you can widen your range since you are getting excellent pot odds.
BB (Big Blind) Defense Range
The big blind is unique because you already have money in the pot. Your defense range depends on the raise size. Against a min-raise, defend very widely (50%+). Against a 3x raise, tighten to about 40%. Against a 4x+ raise, defend only with premium hands.
Stack Depth Adjustments
Preflop ranges change dramatically based on stack depth. At 100bb, implied odds make speculative hands like suited connectors valuable. At 30-50bb, focus on high-equity hands that play well in 3-bet pots. At under 20bb, push-fold charts replace traditional ranges.
Using Our Interactive Range Wizard
PokerGTO Solver offers a free interactive Range Wizard that displays GTO-optimal ranges for every position and stack depth. You can explore the 13x13 matrix, filter by action type, and see exact frequencies for raise, call, 3-bet, and fold. Try it free to see your exact ranges for every spot.