6-max cash games at 100bb are the most studied format in poker, and GTO preflop ranges for them are widely available. The trouble is that most players learn one chart and use it everywhere, from NL50 to NL500, without noticing that rake changes the answer. This guide covers the structure of 6-max preflop strategy and what moves as stakes change.
Positions and opening ranges
A 6-max table has six positions: UTG (lojack), HJ (hijack), CO (cutoff), BTN (button), SB (small blind) and BB (big blind). The later your position, the fewer players are left to act and the more often you'll be in position postflop, so opening ranges widen steadily towards the button.
Approximate first-in raising widths at 100bb in a standard rake-aware solution:
| Position | Typical open | Opening range (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| UTG | 2.5bb | ~15–18% of hands |
| HJ | 2.5bb | ~19–23% |
| CO | 2.5bb | ~26–30% |
| BTN | 2.5bb | ~40–48% |
| SB | 3bb, or limp | Varies by strategy (see below) |
Exact numbers depend on rake, open size and the solver's settings. Learn the shape of each range (which suited hands, which offsuit broadways, where the small pairs drop out) rather than a single percentage.
Small blind: raise-only or limp
The small blind is the hardest seat in 6-max. Solvers that allow it mix raises and limps against the big blind. Many players prefer a simpler raise-or-fold strategy from the small blind, which loses very little EV and is far easier to execute. Either works as long as it's consistent. See SB vs BB.
Facing an open: 3-bet or call
- In position (e.g. BTN vs CO): a mix of flats and 3-bets, since position makes calling profitable.
- Out of position from the small blind: mostly 3-bet or fold. Flatting from the SB invites a squeeze from the BB and leaves you out of position.
- Big blind: the widest defence of all, because you already have 1bb in the pot. Against a 2.5bb button open you need only about 27% equity to call. See BTN vs BB.
How rake changes 6-max ranges from NL50 to NL500
Rake is taken from pots that see a flop, and at lower stakes it's a larger share of the pot in big blinds. That pushes the strategy in one direction:
- Tighter big blind defence, especially with hands that would just call.
- Fewer flats in general; more 3-bet or fold.
- Less limping from the small blind.
- Slightly tighter opens from early positions.
The higher the stakes, the smaller the effect, and the closer the strategy gets to a rake-free ChipEV solution. Using an NL500 chart at NL50 is a common, quiet leak: too many thin calls that the rake makes unprofitable.
| Stake | Rake effect | Practical adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| NL50 | Large | Defend and flat noticeably tighter |
| NL100–NL200 | Moderate | Small trims to flats and BB defence |
| NL500+ | Small | Close to a rake-free baseline |
Common 6-max preflop leaks
- Opening the button too tightly, or UTG too loosely.
- Flatting from the small blind.
- Defending the big blind too tightly against button and cutoff opens.
- Having no plan versus 3-bets, especially from the button.
- Ignoring rake: playing a high-stakes chart at micro stakes.
More in preflop range mistakes.
Study plan
- Learn opens by position until you can reproduce them without a chart.
- Add big blind defence vs every position, then small blind strategy.
- Learn responses to 3-bets for each opening position.
- Drill daily in short blocks with a GTO poker trainer, and run your hand histories against the ranges to find your leaks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use NL500 GTO ranges at NL50?
Not unchanged. Rake is a larger share of the pot at lower stakes, so NL50 strategy defends and flats noticeably tighter. A high-stakes chart at micro stakes makes too many thin calls.
How wide should I open the button in 6-max?
In a typical 100bb rake-aware solution the button opens roughly 40–48% of hands. The exact range depends on rake, open size and solver settings.
Should the small blind limp in 6-max cash?
Solvers mix limps and raises, but a raise-or-fold small blind strategy loses very little EV and is much easier to execute, which is why many cash players use it.