SPOT PRINCIPLE
ATo and QJo go first, as always deep: hands that make good second-best pairs make big second-best pots.
Calling ranges widen before 3-betting ranges do – set-mining and suited-connector calls gain value faster than thin 3-bets.
Big blind against a hijack steal: defend wide, 3-bet with teeth, and remember the pots are only cheap preflop.
Assumes a ~4bb open; 3-bet to ~3x the open in position, ~4x from the blinds – larger as stacks deepen.
Baseline assumptions: 9-handed · no ante · no straddle · 4bb opens · low-rake live structure · cold-calling allowed. Charts reduce low-frequency mixes to a single default action; adjust live for opponents and rake. Baseline v1 · updated 2026-08.