Q♥T♥ HJ vs CO, preflop, 90 bb
The spot
- You: HJ
- Opponent: CO
- Your hand: Q♥T♥
- Board: preflop, no board yet
- Effective stack: 90 bb
- Pot: 5 bb
Folded to hero preflop in 6‑max.
What is the strongest default preflop action?
See the answer
Best play: Raise / 3-bet
Why
Folded to hero in the HJ makes this a first-in open-raise, not a 3‑bet. Q♥T♥ is a premium suited connector-broadway with two-way straight reach, flush potential, and clean playability, putting it solidly inside the HJ RFI range. Opening builds the pot with a hand that flops huge equity and steals the blinds when folded through, so raising for value and steal is the correct first-in line.
Key idea
QTs is a default HJ first-in open: suited broadway-connectors carry both straight and flush potential plus fold equity, so you raise to open rather than fold a hand this playable.
Common mistake
Calling it a 3‑bet or folding QTs first-in as too speculative; nobody has raised, and this suited broadway-connector is a clear, profitable HJ open.