How to Use Poker Cheatsheets at the Table
Cheatsheets are the fastest way to improve your game. But using them wrong can actually cost you money. Here's how to use them properly.
Step 1: Choose Your Style
Before anything else, pick a play style that matches your skill level and bankroll situation:
Best for beginners/micro-stakes. Tight ranges, simple decisions.
For recovering from downswings. Ultra-safe, premium only.
Advanced. Only after mastering TAG. Wide ranges, lots of bluffs.
Expert. Math-based balanced play. For serious study.
Step 2: Learn Your Position
Every cheatsheet is organized by position. Your first action is always checking your position, then looking up your hand in that position's range.
- UTG — First to act. Play tightest here.
- MP — Second to act. Still tight.
- CO — Cutoff. Start opening up.
- BTN — Button. Best position. Open widest.
- SB — Small Blind. Raise or fold, never limp.
- BB — Big Blind. Defend wider since you already invested.
Step 3: Use During Study, Not During Play
Most poker sites (GGPoker, PokerStars, etc.) prohibit using any tools or charts during live play. This is called “Real-Time Assistance” and can get your account banned.
Use cheatsheets for study ONLY. Memorize the ranges through practice, then play from memory.
Step 4: Memorization Routine
- 1. Start with one position — learn BTN first (most hands played from here)
- 2. Quiz yourself — for each hand, ask: “Is this in my range from this position?”
- 3. Add one position per week — BTN → CO → MP → UTG → SB → BB
- 4. Review after sessions — compare your played hands to the chart