Cutoff
The cutoff is the seat directly to the right of the button. It's the second-best position at the table and a prime seat for raising to steal the blinds.
The cutoff (CO) is the seat directly to the right of the button. It is the second-best seat at the table: only the button acts after it postflop, and preflop only three players remain behind it, the button and the two blinds. The name is commonly explained by the idea that a raise from this seat "cuts off" the button's chance to steal.
What makes the cutoff strong
- Few players behind: when everyone folds to you, only the button, small blind and big blind can stop you.
- Usually in position: if the button folds, you will be in position against the blinds for the whole hand.
- Stealing opportunities: you can raise a wide range to pick up the blinds.
The one danger is the button. A good player on the button can call or 3-bet your open and then act after you on every street.
Cutoff opening ranges
When folded to, the cutoff typically opens a wide range: all pocket pairs, most aces (especially suited ones), most suited kings, broadway hands like Q♣ J♦ or K♥ 10♠, and suited connectors and one-gappers such as 7♠ 6♠ and 9♦ 7♦. That is much wider than under the gun and a little tighter than the button. Adjust based on who is behind: against a tight, passive button and blinds who fold often, you can open even more; against an aggressive 3-bettor on the button, tighten up.
Example hand
Blinds 1/2, 6-max. It folds to you in the cutoff with K♠ 9♠. You raise to 5. The button folds, the small blind folds, and the big blind calls. The pot is 11.
The flop comes Q♦ 7♣ 2♥. You missed, but the big blind checks and you are in position. This dry, high board is good for your range, so a small continuation bet of about 4 has a good chance of winning the pot. If the big blind calls, you still get to see what they do first on the turn before deciding whether to continue.
Now imagine the button had 3-bet you to 16 instead. K♠ 9♠ cannot comfortably call a 3-bet out of position, so folding would be standard. That is the cutoff's trade-off: wide opens, but you must be ready to let hands go when the button fights back.
Cutoff tips
- When the hijack or earlier seats open, the cutoff is a good seat to 3-bet, since only the button can be in position on you.
- Pay attention to the button: their tendencies shape your opening range more than any other player's.
- Do not limp from the cutoff; raising gives you fold equity and initiative.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the cutoff in poker?
The seat immediately to the right of the dealer button, acting just before the button.
Is the cutoff a good position?
Yes. It is the second-best seat after the button, with only the button acting after it postflop.
How wide should I open from the cutoff?
Much wider than early position, including many suited hands and broadway cards, but slightly tighter than the button. Adjust to how aggressive the players behind you are.
Related poker terms
- Button — The button is a disc marking the nominal dealer in Hold'em. The player on the button acts last after the flop, making it the best seat at the table.
- Hijack — The hijack is the seat two places to the right of the button, just before the cutoff. It's a middle-to-late position for opening a moderate range.
- Position — Position in poker is where you sit relative to the button, which decides when you act. Acting later gives you more information and more control.
- In Position — In position (IP) means you act after your opponent on each postflop street. You see their decision first, which makes every choice easier.
- 3-Bet — A 3-bet is the first re-raise in a betting round. Preflop it's the re-raise of an open raise, because the big blind counts as the first bet.
- Big Blind — The big blind is the larger forced bet posted two seats left of the button before the deal. It sets the minimum bet and is the last to act preflop.