Cutoff in Poker: Definition, Poker Cutoff Position & Playing From the Cutoff

What Is the Cutoff in Poker?

The cutoff in poker is the seat immediately to the right of the dealer button.

When players want to know what the cutoff is in poker, the simplest answer is that it’s the last position to act before the button pre-flop and the second-to-last position to act on the post-flop streets (turn and river). The cutoff position in poker matters because position determines information. Acting later means you see more decisions before making your own. From the cutoff seat, you usually have clear visibility into how most of the table has acted, especially the blinds.

This allows you to play more hands profitably than players in early or middle position.

A cutoff in poker strategy sits in a sweet spot. You are close enough to the button to apply pressure, but you still must respect that the button will act after you postflop. This dynamic—having position on the blinds but not the button—shapes the cutoff strategy.

Cutoff in Poker: Key Points

• The cutoff is the seat directly to the right of the dealer button.
• It offers a strong positional advantage but is not as powerful as the button.
• Cutoff in poker strategy centers on stealing blinds and isolating weaker players.

Cutoff vs. Button Position

Many new players struggle to understand the difference between cutoff vs button in poker because the two seats feel similar.

Both act late, both can open wide ranges, and both benefit from information. The key difference is simple but important. The button always acts last after the flop. The cutoff does not. When you raise from the poker cutoff position and the button calls, you are forced to act first on every post-flop street.

That single detail changes everything.

From the button, you can float more flops, apply pressure on later streets, and control pot size more easily. From the cutoff, you still have strong leverage over the blinds, but you must think ahead about how the button might respond. This is why the cutoff in poker strategy is slightly tighter than a button strategy.

You still open aggressively, but you cannot assume post-flop control by default.

Cutoff Opening Ranges and Frequencies

Opening ranges when playing from the cutoff position in poker are much wider than early position, but narrower than the button. This balance exists because of the remaining players behind you.

In a typical nine-handed game, opening roughly 25 to 30% of hands from the cutoff is common.

This includes:

• All strong broadways
• Most suited connectors down to reasonable levels
• Pocket pairs
• Strong suited aces
• Select offsuit aces and kings

It’s more important to grasp what widens the range in these situations than to understand the exact percentages. By the time the action comes around to the cutoff, most shorter ranges have already folded.

A large number of blinds will either defend passively or overfold.

However, with the button still to act, avoid hands that struggle when played out of position post-flop. Marginal hands lose value when the button calls and you’re forced to play out of position.

Cutoff Strategy for Beginners

To start with, a cutoff in poker strategy should focus on three ideas: opening when folded to, isolating weak players, and avoiding difficult postflop spots.

Raising

Folded to you, a raise when playing from the cutoff position is almost always a good idea. Even relatively weak hands will be profitable because the blinds have no position and incomplete information.

Limping

The cutoff is an excellent position to isolate limpers, as you can force out the blinds and play heads-up. This often forces out the blinds, allowing you to play against a weaker opponent.

Marginal hands

Beginners often struggle post-flop when the button contests the pot. While strong pairs and value hands play well, marginal holdings become problematic when facing aggression out of position.

A general principle is useful here. If you’d fold a hand from early position, think twice before opening it from the cutoff—even with positional advantage.

Understanding Cutoff Positional Power

The value of the poker cutoff position primarily derives from information, rather than aggression.

Acting after most players, you can observe whether opponents have shown strength or weakness. Limped pots, folded pots, and passive blinds are all telling you something.

Initiative plays a role here as well. Raising from the cutoff seizes initiative, allowing you to apply pressure and force opponents to defend their ranges.

Handling Pots

Pot control requires a subtler touch. With the button acting behind you, medium-strength hands can create difficult decisions as pots grow. Effective cutoff play requires knowing when to control pot size and when to apply pressure.

Compared to the middle positions, the cutoff allows much more freedom. Compared to button play, the cutoff requires slightly more discipline. Optimal conditions include tight blinds, a passive button, and adequate stack depth for pressure without over-committing.

Common Mistakes with the Cutoff Position

One of the most frequent mistakes is overvaluing position, regardless of whether you’re playing in a land-based casino or an online poker site. You may believe that the cutoff is always a strong spot, so you start opening any suited cards. Position matters, but it won’t improve a weak hand.

Another consideration is ignoring the button. Many players raise from the cutoff and mentally treat it like the button. When someone at the button calls or raises, they’re caught out of position with no plan.

Auto-pilot continuation bets are also common. Not all flops favor continuation betting when you are playing from the cutoff position.

Not adapting to table dynamics will cost money. A bluffing strategy that may be successful against tight blinds will be ineffective against aggressive defenders.

Finally, players miss opportunities when the button is extremely tight or short-stacked. In these spots, the cutoff effectively becomes the button and can open even wider.

When played correctly, the cutoff ranks among the most profitable positions at the table. It favors aggression, knowledge, and control. Mastering cutoff play develops skills that translate directly to button strategy and positional awareness.

FAQs

What is the cutoff in poker?

The cutoff is the seat directly to the right of the dealer button.

Why is it called the cutoff position?

Historically, it was the last position where betting action was cut off before the dealer acted.

What percentage of hands should you play from the cutoff?

Most players open around 25 to 30% of hands, adjusting for table dynamics.

What is the difference between cutoff and button?

The key difference is timing. The button always acts last (in the best position); the cutoff acts second-to-last (in an excellent position).

Should you raise or call from the cutoff?

Raising is generally preferred when action folds to you.

What position comes before the cutoff?

The hijack position sits immediately to the right of the cutoff.

Is cutoff a good position for stealing the blinds?

Yes. The cutoff position in poker is one of the best seats for blind steals.

How does a cutoff strategy change in short-handed games?

The cutoff becomes even more valuable as fewer players remain and ranges widen.