SB Open 50bb – MTT range
Default preflop range for the SB Open 50bb spot in 6-Max MTT, from the RangerPro library.
In the SB Open spot at 50bb effective stacks, this default range includes 139 of the 169 starting hands (82.2%). The dominant action is Limp with 92 hands. Every hand in this range is played at full frequency, with no mixed strategies.
The Small Blind acts last pre-flop but first post-flop. Opening ranges from SB must account for the Big Blind's positional advantage after the flop.
Opening (raise first in) sets the pace for the hand. Your open-raise range defines which hands are strong enough to voluntarily enter the pot and face potential 3-bets.
At 50bb effective stacks, post-flop playability is the key factor. Speculative hands like suited connectors and small pairs retain their implied odds value, and 3-bet pots don't commit your entire stack.
Action distribution
Hand composition
Key hands by action
pie_chart Composition breakdown
This range contains 13 pocket pairs, 76 suited hands, and 50 offsuit hands. Suited combos represent 55% of the range, reflecting a strong preference for suited holdings. The weakest pocket pair included is 22. All pairs from 22 through AA are part of the strategy.
compare_arrows Stack Depth Comparison
Compared to 100bb, this range is tighter by 6 hands (145 → 139 hands), reflecting increasing pressure to play only premium holdings at shorter stacks.
help Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the SB opening range sometimes wider than expected? expand_more
When folded to the SB, only the BB remains. This creates a heads-up dynamic where you can open wide, especially if the BB defends passively. At 50bb, the SB opens 139 hands (82.2%).
Should I raise or limp from the Small Blind? expand_more
In MTTs, raising is strongly preferred. Limping can be exploited by an aggressive BB who will raise you frequently. A raise puts you in the driver's seat despite your post-flop positional disadvantage.
How does SB vs BB dynamics change at short stacks? expand_more
At short stacks (15bb and below), SB strategy often becomes push-or-fold. The stack-to-pot ratio is too shallow for a raise-fold strategy, so you're either shoving your range or folding.
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school Strategy guide
Go deeper on this spot with our position and stack-depth strategy guides.
layers Other stack depths
These ranges are theoretical approximations provided for study purposes only. They do not guarantee results. Adapt them to your own game and opponents.
Study this range interactively
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