Preflop GTO Charts

Understanding GTO preflop ranges

Game Theory Optimal (GTO) preflop charts are the foundation of modern poker strategy. These charts show you the mathematically balanced way to play every starting hand from every position in a 6-max No-Limit Hold'em cash game at 100bb effective stacks.

What are GTO preflop charts?

GTO preflop charts are derived from game theory solvers that calculate the Nash equilibrium strategy for preflop play. They tell you whether to raise, call, or fold each of the 169 unique starting hands depending on your position and the action in front of you. Following these charts ensures that your strategy cannot be exploited in the long run.

How to use these charts

Select your position (UTG, HJ, CO, BTN, SB, or BB), then choose the scenario you're facing. Green cells indicate hands you should raise (or 3-bet/4-bet). Blue cells are calls. Gray cells should be folded. Gradient cells represent mixed strategies — for example, a hand that is 60% raise and 40% fold should be raised most of the time but occasionally folded to remain balanced.

6-max position guide

In a 6-max game, positions from earliest to latest are: UTG (Under the Gun), HJ (Hijack), CO (Cutoff), BTN (Button), SB (Small Blind), and BB (Big Blind). Earlier positions play tighter ranges because more players can act after them. The BTN has the widest opening range because they have position postflop.

Understanding mixed strategies

Some hands appear with split percentages (e.g., Raise 60%, Fold 40%). These are mixed strategies — the GTO-optimal play is to randomize between actions at the given frequencies. This prevents opponents from exploiting predictable patterns. In practice, you can use a randomizer or simply lean toward the higher-frequency action.

Frequently asked questions

Are these charts accurate GTO solutions?

Ranges are prepared by the Hand2Note Guide team in collaboration with poker experts from Freebetrange. The ranges are adapted for training: frequencies are rounded to the nearest values of 0/25/50/75/100 for easier practical application. For deeper GTO preflop study, we recommend Freebetrange — a widely used preflop training tool among poker players (read our Freebetrange review).

Should I follow GTO charts exactly?

GTO charts provide a theoretically balanced baseline. In practice, you should adjust based on your opponents' tendencies. Against passive players, you might open wider; against aggressive 3-bettors, you might tighten up. Use GTO as your default strategy and deviate when you have a specific reason.

Why are some hands shown as mixed strategies?

Mixed strategies exist because some hands are close to the boundary between two actions. Playing them purely one way would create an exploitable pattern. By randomizing at the correct frequency, you maintain a balanced range that opponents cannot take advantage of.

What does RFI mean?

RFI stands for Raise First In — it means you are the first player to enter the pot with a raise. If everyone before you has folded, you are in an RFI situation. The RFI charts show which hands to open-raise from each position.

Do these charts work for tournaments?

These charts are optimized for cash games at 100bb effective stacks. Tournament play involves additional factors like ICM pressure, varying stack depths, and bubble dynamics that change optimal preflop strategy significantly. For tournament-specific charts, different ranges apply.