Preflop raise sizes in poker: how much to open
Your preflop raise size should be consistent and simple: about 2–2.5 big blinds online, 3–5 big blinds live, plus 1 big blind for each limper. Use the same size with all hands you open, so opponents can’t read your strength from your bet.
Standard open sizes
Section titled “Standard open sizes”| Game | Typical open |
|---|---|
| Online cash, 6-max | 2–2.5 BB |
| Online micro stakes (loose tables) | 2.5–3 BB |
| Live cash | 3–5 BB (bigger at loose tables) |
| Tournaments, early | 2.2–2.5 BB |
| Tournaments with antes / short stacks | 2–2.2 BB, or all-in under ~15 BB |
Adjustments
Section titled “Adjustments”- Add 1 BB per limper. See isolation raise.
- From the small blind, raise a little bigger (about 3 BB), because you’ll be out of position. See small blind strategy.
- Against loose callers, bigger opens get more value.
- With short stacks, keep opens small or go all-in. See push/fold.
Why the same size for all hands?
Section titled “Why the same size for all hands?”If you raise 4 BB with A-A and 2 BB with 7-6 suited, observant players will know. A consistent size hides your hand. See bet sizing.
Re-raise sizes
Section titled “Re-raise sizes”- 3-bet: about 3× in position, 3.5–4× out of position.
- Squeeze: about 4× plus 1× per caller.
- 4-bet: about 2.2–2.5× the 3-bet.
Don’t limp
Section titled “Don’t limp”Open with a raise or fold. Limping lets the blinds in cheaply and gives up the initiative. See limping.
How much should I raise preflop online?
Section titled “How much should I raise preflop online?”About 2–2.5 big blinds, or up to 3 at loose micro-stakes tables.
How much should I raise preflop live?
Section titled “How much should I raise preflop live?”About 3–5 big blinds, plus one big blind for each limper.
Should I raise different sizes with different hands?
Section titled “Should I raise different sizes with different hands?”No. Use the same size so opponents can’t read your hand.
How big should a 4-bet be?
Section titled “How big should a 4-bet be?”About 2.2–2.5 times the 3-bet.