The cutoff (CO) is the position immediately to the right of the button at a poker table, making it the second-best seat for post-flop positional advantage. Named for its ability to “cut off” the button’s positional dominance by acting last preflop if the button folds, this seat combines strong position with wider profitable opening ranges.
In a standard 9-handed game, the cutoff acts sixth preflop and has position on everyone except the button post-flop when the button is still in the hand. This near-perfect position allows for aggressive play and frequent blind stealing opportunities. The cutoff can open approximately 26% of hands profitably in most games, making it one of the most active positions at the table. When the button folds to a cutoff raise, which happens roughly 75% of the time, the cutoff gains the coveted button position for all post-flop streets.
The strategic value of the cutoff extends beyond just position. Players in this seat can apply maximum pressure on the hijack and earlier positions while still having reasonable defense against the button’s 3-bets. This creates a unique dynamic where the cutoff must balance aggression with awareness of the button’s superior position.
Where Is the Cutoff at the Table?
The cutoff sits in a specific arrangement relative to other positions. In a 9-handed game, positions clockwise from the dealer button are: Button → Small Blind → Big Blind → Under the Gun (UTG) → UTG+1 → Middle Position → Hijack → Cutoff → back to Button.
In 6-handed games, the cutoff maintains its position directly to the button’s right, but there are fewer early position seats. The order becomes: Button → Small Blind → Big Blind → UTG → Hijack → Cutoff.
The cutoff’s proximity to the button creates interesting dynamics. When the button folds preflop, the cutoff inherits position for all post-flop streets. This happens frequently enough that many players treat the cutoff almost like a second button, opening nearly as wide.
Cutoff vs Button: what’s the difference?
While both are late positions, the button always acts last post-flop (when still in the hand), while the cutoff only acts last if the button folds. The button can open roughly 40-50% of hands profitably, while the cutoff opens about 26%. The button also faces fewer players behind who can 3-bet, making it the superior position. However, the cutoff still profits from position against 6 of 8 opponents in a full ring game.
Cutoff vs Hijack: how do they compare?
The hijack sits immediately to the cutoff’s right and faces two late position players who can 3-bet (cutoff and button). This extra player makes a significant difference, the hijack opens roughly 19% of hands compared to the cutoff’s 26%. The cutoff also has position on the hijack post-flop, allowing for more float opportunities and positional pressure.
Key Facts
| Aspect | Cutoff Details |
|---|---|
| Position Order | 2nd to last preflop, 2nd best position overall |
| Opening Range | ~26% of hands (varies by game dynamics) |
| 3-bet Frequency from CO | 8-11% vs earlier positions |
| Blind Steal Success | ~65% when action folds to CO |
| Position Post-flop | Has position on 6/8 opponents (9-handed) |
| Button Fold Frequency | ~75% when CO opens |
Hear It at the Table
Key Takeaway
The cutoff is poker’s second-best position, combining near-button position with profitable stealing opportunities. While not quite as powerful as the button, the cutoff allows for aggressive play against earlier positions while maintaining reasonable protection from only one player behind. Master this position by opening wider than middle position but tighter than the button, always aware that the button can still 3-bet you with position.
Pro Tip: When the tight player on the button hasn’t 3-bet in two hours, you can treat your cutoff seat almost like the button itself, opening nearly as wide and stealing more aggressively.
