What Is Hijack and Cutoff in Poker?

In poker, a hijack is when a player in late position raises the stakes preflop, typically after the button has already acted. A cutoff is the player to the immediate left of the hijack.

The hijack’s raise puts pressure on the other players still to act, particularly the blinds, and may prompt a fold from one or more of them. The cutoff can then choose to either fold or call, knowing that he or she is getting good pot odds.

A hijack can also be used as a tool to steal the blinds. If the hijack is the only player to raise preflop, then he or she will usually win the pot without having to show his or her cards.

PRO TIP:In poker, hijack and cutoff refer to two positions at the table, seated to the right of the button. Hijack is the position two seats to the right of the button, while cutoff is the seat one spot to the right of button. These positions are advantageous for experienced players as they can act last in preflop betting and have a better ability to see how other players around them are playing before making their decision.

This can be a useful tactic if the hijack is in a late position and there are several players still to act behind him or her.

A cutoff can also be used as a tool to steal the blinds. If the cutoff is the only player to raise preflop, then he or she will usually win the pot without having to show his or her cards.

This can be a useful tactic if the cutoff is in a late position and there are several players still to act behind him or her.