Cold Calling Ranges: When to Flat Preflop Raises

## Cold Calling Preflop Raises A cold call is calling a preflop raise when you have not already invested money in the pot (excluding blinds). Cold calling has a narrow set of hands where it is correct, and most players cold call too wide. Cold call with hands that: play well postflop (suited connectors, medium pairs), are not quite strong enough to 3-bet for value, and are in good position relative to the raiser. Avoid cold calling out of position with marginal hands. Cold calling creates multiway pots, reduces your equity realization, and gives remaining opponents profitable squeeze opportunities. Generally, prefer 3-betting or folding over cold calling. Exception: big blind defense, where you already have money invested. ## Applying This at the Tables Understanding cold calling preflop raises is one thing — executing it under pressure is another. Practice by focusing on this specific concept for an entire session, then review relevant hands afterward to evaluate your execution. ## Impact on Your Poker Income Improving your strategic fundamentals directly increases your win rate. Combined with optimal rakeback from the right poker room, every strategic improvement multiplies your overall earnings. Use our rakeback calculator to ensure your room choice maximizes the value of your improving play.