The open raise is your basic initiative tool. Mastering optimal sizing and knowing when to raise versus fold is fundamental to profitable poker.
Optimal Open Raise Sizing
In modern cash games, the standard is 2 to 2.5 BB from late positions, up to 3 BB from early position.
BTN, CO: 2 to 2.2 BB (maximizes profitable situations)
MP, HJ: 2.5 BB
UTG, UTG+1: 2.5 to 3 BB
Always Raise, Never Limp
Limping (just calling the BB) is passive and signals a weak hand. Even with speculative hands in late position, raising is almost always better than limping.
Adjusting Size Based on Context
Against recreational players who call everything: use bigger sizes (3-4 BB)
In tournaments with antes: antes increase steal value — raising is even more important
Short-stacked (< 25 BB): prefer a direct push all-in over an open that commits you anyway
Isolating Limpers
When a player limps in front of you, isolate with 3 to 4 BB + 1 BB per additional limper. Your goal: get heads-up in position against a weak range.
Common Open Raise Mistakes
Raising too big (5+ BB): gives away information, reduces EV
Raising too small (1.5 BB): attracts too many callers, loses isolation
Variable sizing based on hand strength: gives information about your range
Limping with medium hands from late positions
Consistency in your sizing matters more than the size itself. Your opponent shouldn’t be able to guess your hand from your bet size.
💡 To explore opening ranges by position and visualize them on a 13×13 grid, use our interactive range editor — it includes beginner and GTO presets aligned with this guide.
