Cold Calling in Poker: Complete Guide to Calling Raises Pre-Flop
Cold calling—the act of calling a raise when you have no money already invested in the pot—is one of the most debated aspects of modern poker strategy. While some professional players advocate for a strict "3-bet or fold" approach, others recognize that cold calling has its place in a balanced, exploitative strategy. Understanding when calling is profitable versus when you should either re-raise or fold is crucial for developing a winning pre-flop game.
The term "cold call" distinguishes this action from calling in the blinds (where you already have forced money committed) or calling a 3-bet after opening (where you initiated the action). When you cold call, you're entering a pot without initiative, meaning the original raiser will typically control the betting on future streets. This lack of initiative is precisely why cold calling requires careful hand selection and post-flop skill to be profitable.
According to research published by the PokerNews strategy section, recreational players often cold call too frequently with marginal hands, creating one of the most common leaks at low and mid-stakes games. This guide will help you understand the mathematics and strategic considerations behind profitable cold calling.
What Exactly is a Cold Call?
To fully understand cold calling, you need to distinguish it from other calling scenarios in poker. Here's a breakdown of the different types of calls:
Types of Pre-Flop Calls
- Cold Call: Calling a raise when you have no money in the pot (not from the blinds). Example: UTG raises, you call from the button.
- Flat Call (Blinds): Calling a raise from the big blind where you already have forced money committed.
- Overcall: Calling after another player has already called the raise. Example: UTG raises, MP calls, you call from the cutoff.
- Limp Behind: Calling the big blind after one or more players have limped—not a cold call since there's no raise.
The key distinction is that cold calling puts money into a pot where you face a raised amount and have no previous investment. This means you're voluntarily committing chips at a higher price point without seizing the betting initiative.
Why Cold Calling is Risky
Cold calling carries inherent risks that 3-betting avoids. According to game theory research discussed on Two Plus Two forums, one of poker's oldest and most respected strategy communities, cold calling has several structural disadvantages:
- No Initiative: The raiser will often continuation bet the flop, putting you in a defensive position.
- Squeeze Vulnerability: Players behind you may 3-bet (squeeze), forcing you to fold your investment or face a bloated pot.
- Unclear Range: Your calling range is often wide and hard to read, but this can work against you when opponents put you on marginal holdings.
- Positional Disadvantage: Cold calling out of position compounds all these problems.
When Cold Calling is Profitable
Despite its risks, cold calling is profitable in specific situations. The key is understanding which hands play well in called pots and which conditions favor calling over 3-betting. Understanding position in poker is fundamental to making these decisions correctly.
Ideal Cold Calling Hands
The best cold calling hands share common characteristics: they have strong playability post-flop, good implied odds, and don't necessarily need to build a large pot pre-flop. Here are the hand categories that work well for cold calling:
Medium Pocket Pairs (77-TT)
These hands play well as cold calls because they flop sets roughly 12% of the time, extracting significant value when they connect. 3-betting these hands often gets action only from better hands, while calling lets you see a flop cheaply and evaluate.
Suited Connectors (76s-JTs)
Suited connectors have excellent playability, making straights, flushes, and combo draws. They benefit from seeing flops rather than bloating pots pre-flop where they're rarely ahead.
Suited Broadway Cards (KQs, QJs, KJs)
These hands can cold call when 3-betting would be marginal. They make strong top pairs, Broadway straights, and nut flushes, but aren't strong enough to 3-bet for value against tight ranges.
Suited Aces (A2s-A9s)
Suited aces have nut flush potential and wheel straight possibilities (A2s-A5s). While often 3-bet as bluffs, they can also cold call when stack-to-pot ratios favor seeing a flop.
Position-Based Cold Calling Ranges
Your position dramatically affects which hands you can profitably cold call. According to the Upswing Poker training methodology, cold calling ranges should tighten significantly as position worsens:
Button (vs CO/MP Open)
Widest cold calling range: 22-TT, suited connectors 54s+, suited one-gappers 75s+, suited aces A2s-A9s, suited Broadway KQs/QJs/KJs, offsuit Broadway AJo/KQo
The button is the most profitable position to cold call from due to guaranteed position post-flop.
Cutoff (vs MP/EP Open)
Tighter range: 55-TT, suited connectors 65s+, suited aces A2s-A5s/A9s, suited Broadway KQs/QJs, sometimes AJo
One player behind reduces squeeze risk, but position isn't guaranteed.
Middle Position (vs EP Open)
Narrow range: 77-TT, occasionally KQs/QJs when conditions favor it
Multiple players behind increase squeeze frequency. Favor 3-betting or folding.
Early Position (vs UTG Open)
Very narrow: QQ-TT as traps, rarely anything else
Minimal cold calling. Use primarily 3-bet or fold strategy here.
Key Factors That Influence Cold Calling Decisions
Beyond hand selection, several situational factors should influence your decision to cold call. Evaluating these factors correctly separates profitable callers from those bleeding chips pre-flop. Your understanding of poker probability and mathematics will help you calculate whether cold calling is +EV in marginal spots.
1. Opener's Position and Range
A raise from under-the-gun (UTG) represents a much stronger range than a raise from the cutoff. Against tight openers, cold calling becomes less attractive because:
- Their range is weighted toward premium hands that dominate your cold calling hands
- They're less likely to fold to aggression post-flop
- Implied odds decrease when opponents have strong, inelastic ranges
Conversely, against loose openers (button or cutoff opens with wide ranges), cold calling becomes more profitable because you'll have better relative hand strength and more bluffing opportunities post-flop.
2. Players Left to Act
The more players behind you, the higher the squeeze probability. According to data analyzed by the Card Player magazine, competent players in the blinds will often 3-bet squeeze when they see a raise and call, putting you in an awkward spot with hands like 88 or KQs that don't want to call a squeeze but aren't quite strong enough to 4-bet.
Estimated Squeeze Frequency by Position
| Your Position | Players Behind | Squeeze Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Button | 2 (blinds only) | Low (5-10%) | Cold call freely |
| Cutoff | 3 | Medium (8-15%) | Cold call selectively |
| Hijack | 4 | High (12-20%) | Prefer 3-bet/fold |
| MP | 5+ | Very High (15-25%) | Rarely cold call |
3. Stack Depths
Effective stack sizes dramatically impact cold calling profitability. Deep stacks (150bb+) favor cold calling with implied odds hands like suited connectors and small pairs because the potential payout when you hit is enormous relative to your pre-flop investment. With shorter stacks (under 50bb), implied odds diminish and cold calling becomes less attractive—you're better off 3-betting to either win the pot pre-flop or get all-in with fold equity.
4. Opponent Tendencies
The specific opponent you're facing matters enormously. Cold call more against:
- Fit-or-fold players: They continuation bet and give up, letting you take pots away on later streets
- Passive post-flop players: They won't pressure you, giving you cheap showdowns
- Players who overvalue top pair: Your two-pair and set hands get maximum value
Cold call less against:
- Aggressive 3-bettors: They squeeze frequently, making your cold call unprofitable
- Skilled post-flop players: They'll outplay you without initiative
- Players who barrel multiple streets: Hard to realize equity against constant pressure
Cold Calling vs 3-Betting: Making the Right Choice
One of the most common strategic debates is whether to cold call or 3-bet with hands in the middle of your range. Both options have merit, and the optimal choice depends on the situation. Here's how to decide:
Choose to 3-Bet When:
- You're out of position and need to take initiative
- Multiple players remain behind who might squeeze
- The opener folds too much to 3-bets
- You have hands with good blocker value (Ax, Kx)
- Stack sizes are shallow (under 60bb effective)
- You want to isolate a weak player in the blinds
Choose to Cold Call When:
- You have position on the raiser
- Players behind are passive or unlikely to squeeze
- Your hand plays better as a disguised hand than a 3-bet bluff
- Stacks are deep (100bb+) maximizing implied odds
- The opener calls 3-bets too often, reducing fold equity
- You're against a recreational player who you can outplay post-flop
Example: 98s on the Button
Scenario A: UTG opens 3bb, folds to you on the button. Both blinds are tight regulars.
Decision: Cold call. Position is guaranteed, squeeze risk is low, and 98s plays great post-flop. 3-betting would turn this into a bluff against a strong UTG range.
Scenario B: CO opens 2.5bb, you're on the button. SB is an aggressive squeezer.
Decision: Consider 3-betting. The CO has a wide range, and you preempt the squeeze. If you cold call and get squeezed, you'll often fold and lose your investment.
Playing Post-Flop After Cold Calling
Successfully cold calling is only half the battle—you need a solid post-flop strategy to realize your equity. Without initiative, you'll face constant pressure from the pre-flop raiser's continuation bets. Here's how to navigate these spots profitably:
In Position (You Cold Called from BTN/CO)
Position is your primary advantage after cold calling. Use it to control the pace of the hand:
- Float dry boards: When the flop is something like K72 rainbow and you have 87s, call the c-bet and attack the turn when they check. Many players give up without a pair.
- Raise for value and protection: When you flop a set, two pair, or strong draw, consider raising the flop to build the pot and deny equity.
- Call with draws: Position lets you see free cards when they check the turn. Suited connectors can take lines like call flop, call turn, bet river.
- Control pot size: With marginal made hands (middle pair, weak top pair), keep the pot small by checking back when given the opportunity.
Out of Position (You Cold Called from Blinds)
Playing out of position without initiative is difficult. Your options include:
- Check-raise with strong hands: Your check-raising range should include sets, two pairs, and strong combo draws. This extracts value and protects your checking range.
- Donk bet selectively: On boards that favor your range (connected, low boards), consider leading out with your entire range, including draws and made hands. This denies their positional advantage. See our donk betting strategy guide for more details.
- Call and evaluate: With medium-strength hands, call the flop and reassess on the turn. Don't auto-fold to one bet.
- Give up marginal hands: Without position, you can't profitably float with air. If you missed and have no equity, fold to the c-bet.
Facing Triple Barrels
One challenge of cold calling is facing aggressive opponents who barrel flop, turn, and river. Your defense strategy should include:
- Calling down with top pair good kicker—these hands are in your cold calling range and should reach showdown
- Raising the turn with your strongest hands rather than calling three streets
- Folding marginal pairs on the river when the pot has bloated
- Tracking opponent tendencies—some players over-bluff rivers, others never bluff
Common Cold Calling Mistakes to Avoid
Cold calling is a leak for many players because they make consistent errors in hand selection and execution. According to analysis from the PokerStrategy training community, these are the most common mistakes:
1. Cold Calling Too Wide
The most common leak. Players call with any two suited cards, any Broadway hand, or any pocket pair. Hands like K9o, Q8s, or 44 out of position are rarely profitable cold calls.
Fix: Use the position-based ranges above as a starting point. When in doubt, 3-bet or fold.
2. Cold Calling Out of Position
Calling raises from early and middle positions puts you at severe disadvantage. You'll play most post-flop streets without position against a player with initiative.
Fix: Drastically tighten your cold calling range when out of position. Many winning players use near-zero cold calling ranges from EP/MP.
3. Not Adjusting to Squeeze Probability
Cold calling with players behind who squeeze frequently turns your call into a mistake. You're essentially lighting money on fire.
Fix: Against known squeezers behind you, either 3-bet yourself or fold. Don't cold call hands you'll fold to a squeeze.
4. Folding to Every C-Bet
If you fold every time you miss the flop, you're making cold calling too exploitable. You need to defend some of your range.
Fix: Float with backdoor draws, call with gutshots, and occasionally call with pure overcards to balance. Don't be a pushover.
5. Cold Calling with Premium Hands
Hands like AA, KK, QQ, and AK are usually too strong to flat call. You're giving opponents good odds and losing value.
Fix: 3-bet these hands for value. The only exception is trapping an extremely aggressive player who will 4-bet light.
Advanced Cold Calling Concepts
Constructing a Balanced Cold Calling Range
Balanced players mix hands in their cold calling range to be difficult to exploit. A well-constructed cold calling range includes:
- Value hands: Medium pairs (77-TT), suited broadways that can make strong top pairs
- Speculative hands: Suited connectors and suited aces for implied odds
- Trapping hands: Occasional premium hands to protect your range (QQ, AKs in specific spots)
This balance means opponents can't automatically put you on a weak, capped range when you cold call. They must respect that you could have traps.
Adjusting vs Different Opponent Types
Your cold calling strategy should shift dramatically based on who opened:
vs Tight Regulars
Cold call less frequently. Their strong ranges dominate your cold calling hands. When you do call, stick to suited connectors and pairs for set-mining.
vs Loose Aggressives (LAGs)
Cold call wider since their opening range is weak. Hands like KJo and QTs become reasonable calls in position. They'll often barrel recklessly, allowing you to trap.
vs Recreational Players
Cold call for isolation and value extraction. These players make post-flop mistakes, so seeing flops with playable hands is profitable even without position.
vs Short Stackers
Avoid cold calling—implied odds don't exist. Either 3-bet to put them all-in or fold.
Multi-Way Cold Calling Considerations
When there's already a caller before you (overcalling), the dynamics change. Multi-way pots favor hands that make the nuts—straights, flushes, and sets. Avoid overcalling with hands like KQo or medium pairs that struggle in multi-way situations. For more on multi-way dynamics, see our multi-way pot strategy guide.
Cold Calling Hand Examples
Example 1: Standard Cold Call
Situation: 100bb effective, MP opens 2.5bb, folds to you on the button with 8♠7♠.
Analysis: This is a textbook cold call. You have position, a speculative hand with excellent playability, and only the blinds left to act. 3-betting is also reasonable, but calling lets you see a flop and outplay the opener post-flop.
Action: Call.
Example 2: Avoid Cold Calling OOP
Situation: 100bb effective, CO opens 3bb, you're in the SB with J♥T♥.
Analysis: Despite the decent hand, calling out of position is problematic. You'll face constant pressure and can't realize equity effectively. Better options are 3-betting (with fold equity if the opener folds too much) or folding (against a tight opener).
Action: 3-bet to 10bb or fold, depending on opponent tendencies.
Example 3: Deep Stack Cold Call
Situation: 200bb effective, UTG opens 3bb, folds to you on the button with 5♠5♣.
Analysis: With deep stacks, pocket fives become an excellent cold call. You'll flop a set roughly 1 in 8 times, and when you do, you can stack a UTG range that's heavy on big pairs. The implied odds justify the pre-flop investment.
Action: Call.
Example 4: Squeeze Risk Adjustment
Situation: 100bb effective, MP opens 2.5bb, you're on the button with A♠5♠. The big blind is a known squeezer (3-bets 12% of the time).
Analysis: A5s is normally a reasonable cold call, but with an aggressive squeezer behind, your call becomes risky. If you call and the BB squeezes to 10bb, you're in a tough spot—fold and lose 2.5bb, or call a squeeze with a marginal hand.
Action: 3-bet to 8bb yourself, taking away the squeeze and potentially winning the pot outright.
Key Takeaways
- Cold calling is calling a raise with no money invested—distinct from blind defense or overcalling.
- Position is critical—cold call widely from the button, rarely from early/middle positions.
- Choose the right hands—medium pairs, suited connectors, suited aces, and suited Broadways work best.
- Avoid cold calling premium hands—AA, KK, QQ, and AK should typically be 3-bet for value.
- Consider squeeze probability—players behind you may 3-bet, forcing you to fold your investment.
- Develop post-flop skills—cold calling requires navigating without initiative.
- Adjust to opponents—cold call more against loose players, less against tight players.
- Deep stacks favor cold calling—implied odds increase with more chips behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cold call in poker?
A cold call occurs when you call a raise without having any money already invested in the pot (other than blinds). For example, if a player raises and you call from middle position without being in the blinds, you have cold called. This differs from "flat calling" in the blinds, where you already have forced money committed.
Why is cold calling considered a leak in poker?
Cold calling is often a leak because you play pots without initiative, making post-flop play more difficult. When you 3-bet instead, you take the lead in the hand, can win without showdown, and define your range more precisely. However, cold calling is not always wrong—it's profitable with the right hands in the right positions against the right opponents.
When should you cold call instead of 3-betting?
Cold call with hands too strong to fold but not ideal for 3-betting: suited connectors (like 87s, 76s), medium pairs (77-TT), suited Broadway cards (KQs, QJs), and suited Aces (A5s-A9s). These hands play well post-flop, have implied odds, and don't necessarily need to build a big pot pre-flop. Position matters greatly—cold call more from the button and cutoff, less from early positions.
Should you ever cold call from early position?
Cold calling from early position (UTG+1 or MP facing a UTG open) should be rare because you have multiple players left to act who could squeeze. When you do cold call from early position, stick to premium hands that play well multi-way like pocket pairs (TT-QQ) and strong suited hands (AQs, AJs). Many pros recommend primarily 3-betting or folding from early positions.
How do you play post-flop after cold calling?
After cold calling, you'll often face a continuation bet from the pre-flop raiser. Without initiative, focus on: (1) playing fit-or-fold on dry boards, (2) floating and attacking on favorable turn cards, (3) check-raising with strong hands and draws, and (4) using position to control pot size. Your cold calling range should include hands that flop well—pairs, strong draws, and disguised monsters.