Preflop bet sizing refers to how much you raise or re-raise before the flop. Proper sizing achieves your strategic goals while giving the right pot odds (or denying them).
| Format |
Standard Size |
| Online 6-max |
2.5BB |
| Online Full Ring |
3BB |
| Live |
3-4BB+ |
| MTT (late stages) |
2-2.2BB |
| Factor |
Size Up |
Size Down |
| Position |
EP |
LP |
| Player skill |
Weak opponents |
Strong opponents |
| Stack depth |
Deep |
Short |
| Limpers |
Add 1BB per limper |
- |
| Position |
Recommended |
| UTG/MP |
2.5-3BB |
| CO |
2.5BB |
| BTN |
2-2.5BB |
| SB |
3BB (vs BB only) |
| Position |
vs Open |
Sizing |
| IP |
2.5BB |
7-8BB (3x) |
| OOP |
2.5BB |
9-11BB (3.5-4x) |
When OOP, you want:
- Fewer callers
- Bigger pot (compensates for positional disadvantage)
- More fold equity
| Situation |
Sizing |
| IP vs 3-bet |
2.2-2.5x the 3-bet |
| OOP vs 3-bet |
2.5-3x the 3-bet |
| Short stacks |
Just shove |
Open: 2.5BB
3-bet to: 8BB
4-bet to: 18-20BB
| Callers |
Multiplier |
| 1 caller |
4x open |
| 2 callers |
5x open |
| 3+ callers |
5-6x open |
| Goal |
Sizing Approach |
| Maximize fold equity |
Larger |
| Induce calls |
Smaller |
| Deny equity |
Large enough to price out draws |
| Build pot |
Standard or slightly larger |
| Mistake |
Problem |
| Min-raising |
Gives everyone odds |
| Too large open |
Risk more, win same pot |
| Same size all positions |
Not optimized |
| Tiny 3-bets |
Get called too often |
⚠️ Your sizing gives information:
| Pattern |
What It Reveals |
| Big = strong |
Exploitable |
| Small = weak |
Exploitable |
| Consistent |
Harder to read |
Keep sizing consistent regardless of hand strength.
Preflop sizing should be position-aware and strategic. Standard opens are 2.5-3BB, 3-bets are 3-4x the open (larger OOP), and always add for limpers. Keep sizing consistent to avoid giving away information.