K♣Q♦ BTN vs BB, preflop, 35 bb
The spot
- You: BTN
- Opponent: BB
- Your hand: K♣Q♦
- Board: preflop, no board yet
- Effective stack: 35 bb
- Pot: 2 bb
Heads-up preflop confrontation between BTN and BB.
Best default HU preflop action?
See the answer
Best play: Raise / 3-bet
Why
As BTN heads-up you are first to act with K‑Q offsuit, a premium opening hand. HU the BTN opens roughly 80-100% of hands, so a clear broadway like KQo is an automatic raise, never a fold or a limp. KQo dominates the huge mass of weaker K-x and Q-x the BB defends with, and the K and Q each block some of the BBs strongest holdings (KK, QQ, AK, AQ). You raise to isolate, take the initiative, and realize equity in position. Limping (call) surrenders fold equity and the value of your dominance.
Key idea
Heads-up ranges are far wider than full-ring: as BTN, raise your strong broadways every time. KQo dominates most of what the BB continues with, so take the initiative in position rather than limping.
Common mistake
Flatting or even folding KQo because it is offsuit and not a pair. HU that is far too tight: KQo is near the top of the BTN range and must raise for value and fold equity.