Preflop frequencies are how often you take specific actions (open, 3-bet, call, fold) in different situations. Understanding optimal frequencies helps you build balanced, unexploitable strategies.
| Stat |
Meaning |
| VPIP |
% of hands you voluntarily put money in |
| PFR |
% of hands you raise preflop |
| RFI |
% you raise when first to enter |
| 3-bet |
% you re-raise a raise |
| Fold to 3-bet |
% you fold facing a 3-bet |
| Position |
RFI % |
Example |
| UTG |
15-18% |
TT+, AQo+, AJs+ |
| HJ |
18-22% |
88+, AJo+, KQo, suited broadways |
| CO |
25-30% |
55+, A9o+, suited connectors |
| BTN |
40-50% |
22+, most suited, many offsuit |
| SB |
40-50% |
Wide vs BB |
| Your Position |
vs Open From |
3-Bet % |
| BTN |
CO |
8-12% |
| CO |
HJ |
6-9% |
| Blinds |
BTN |
10-14% |
| Any |
UTG |
3-5% |
Typical value:bluff ratio:
| 3-Bet Frequency |
Value % |
Bluff % |
| 8% |
5% |
3% |
| 12% |
7% |
5% |
| Position |
Fold to 3-bet |
| UTG |
55-65% |
| HJ |
50-60% |
| CO |
45-55% |
| BTN |
40-50% |
⚠️ Folding too much = exploitable. Folding too little = calling with junk.
| Position |
Cold Call % |
| HJ vs UTG |
2-4% |
| CO vs MP |
5-8% |
| BTN vs CO |
10-15% |
| Opener |
BB Defend % |
| UTG |
25-35% |
| HJ |
35-45% |
| CO |
45-55% |
| BTN |
55-65% |
| SB |
50-60% |
| Action |
vs BTN 2.5x |
| Fold |
35-40% |
| Call |
40-50% |
| 3-bet |
12-18% |
| Stat |
Winning Range |
| VPIP |
22-28% (6-max) |
| PFR |
18-24% |
| VPIP - PFR Gap |
3-6% |
⚠️ Large VPIP-PFR gap = too much cold calling.
| If Your Frequency Is... |
Adjustment |
| 3-bet too low |
Add bluff 3-bets |
| Fold to 3-bet too high |
Defend more, add calls |
| RFI too tight |
Widen button/cutoff |
Preflop frequencies guide balanced play. RFI widens by position (15% UTG → 50% BTN). 3-bet ranges balance value and bluffs. Track your stats and adjust toward optimal frequencies.