How to Use Poker Cheatsheets at the Table
Cheatsheets are a fast way to learn preflop ranges, but using them wrong can 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 once TAG is second nature. 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