Use this chart before you enter a pot first in. Pick your position, check the default open range, then test a specific hand such as AKo, 99, KQo, or 76s.
The tool returns three practical signals:
- Open range: the approximate share of hands to raise first in.
- Position plan: the main reason that range is tight or wide.
- Hand verdict: raise, review, or fold by default.
When to use it
Use it after watching a loose high-stakes hand and asking, “Can I play that too?” The answer often depends on position, stack depth, table quality, and postflop skill.
For a newer player, the first job is not to copy the wildest hand on stream. The first job is to avoid weak opens that create hard postflop decisions.
How to read the verdict
Raise first in means the hand is inside the default beginner opening range for that seat.
Review table first means the hand can be playable, but only when the blinds are weak, stacks are suitable, and you are comfortable postflop.
Fold by default means the hand is outside this chart. Folding is not passive; it keeps your range clean.
Important limits
These are conservative cash-game study ranges, not solver charts. They do not account for antes, straddles, rake, tournament stack depth, table image, or specific opponents.
For the concept behind loose-looking opens, read why poker pros play bad hands.