Understanding Poker Table Positions

Introduction

Have you wondered why some players always win, irrespective of the round? It’s not always the  skills they possess or the strategies they use, at times the position where they are sitting also matters. 

 It’s like a secret map that helps you make decisions based on your position on the table. Each spot has its advantages and challenges be it early, middle or late. Let’s understand the poker table positions together to uncover the hidden strategies.

Table Position In Poker

Position in the poker game is an order or arrangement in which players are seated around the poker table. This arrangement is further categorised into three categories Early, Mid and Late Positions.

First, let's have a look at the different Positions on a 9-player poker table:

Dealer Button

The Dealer Button is the point from which the game starts, also known as the 'buck.' This button keeps shifting to the player who was the Small Blind in the previous hand.

If a player occupies a seat between the Small Blind and Big Blind, they must wait for one round to allow the dealer button to pass through them. This ensures that no player is required to post the Big Blind twice consecutively.

Blinds

In poker, blinds are mandatory bets that both Small Blinds and Big Blinds have to put into the pot. 

Small Blind

This is the first mandatory bet. The player sitting immediately left of the dealer is called Small Blind. Small puts in half of what the Big Blind puts into the pot.

Big Blind

This is the second mandatory bet. The player sitting immediately to the left of the Small Blind puts the Big Blind. The Big Blind is always double the amount of the Small Blind.

Under the Gun

The player seated immediately to the left of the Big Blind is known as UTG, or Under the Gun. In the pre-flop round, UTG is the first to act after the Small Blind and Big Blind.

Cut off

The player seated immediately to the right of the dealer button is known as the Cut Off.  The player sitting in this position gets benefits like bluffing, playing strong hands, and raising. Hence, it is the second-best position in poker

Hijack

The player seated to the immediate right of the cut-off is known as the Hijack. This position is best-suited for aggressive players.

The game begins with the player in the early position and ends with the player in the late position. Players between these positions are in the middle position.

• Early position(EP): Under the Gun is the first to act after the Small Blind and Big Blind. On a 9-player table, the player next to UTG is UTG+1, and so on.
• Middle Position(MP): Players in this position act before late positions but after early positions.
• Late Position or (LP): This position allows players to act after others have made their moves.

Strategies for Each Position

Here are a few strategies to improve your gameplay:

Early Position :

• Avoid being outplayed and play cautiously with only strong hands.
• Raise whenever necessary and only if you have premium hands such as AA, KK, and QQ.
• Try to avoid basic hands such as high cards and pairs.
• Don’t hesitate to fold when you are not able to take the aggression of the game.

Middle Position:

• You can play a wider range of hands but still be selective.
• Observe the actions of your opponents and adjust your strategies.
• This position is good for bluffing but don’t overdo it. Try for semi-bluffing with strong hands.
• Make sure you are updated with the pot size, this will help you adjust your et accordingly.

Late Position:

• This is the best position, hence try to take advantage by playing more hands.
• Always look for opportunities to get the blinds and pot.
• Pay attention to opponents' tricks and take advantage of their mistakes.

Strategize Your Seating for Maximum Poker Profits

• Early Position: Sitting in an early position is like driving in peak-hour traffic, you can’t see what’s ahead but you have to keep on moving. In this position, you have to make decisions before others make them.
• Middle Position: Here you get to see the game of a few players but not all. It's like driving in moderate traffic, you have room to think but you still need to be careful.
• Late Position: Late positions are the best positions, you get to see the gameplay of all the players. You know the gameplay and can make strategies to win it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the positions in poker?

Positions are the order in which players are going to sit. The positions are further classified into Early, Middle and Late.

Which is the best position in poker?

The most advantageous positions in Texas Holdem poker are the Cut Off and Hijack. This position gives you an advantage as you know the gameplay of each player.

Why position is important in poker?

Playing in the right position increases your chance of winning. It gives you a competitive edge over your opponents. 

Why is it called the Hijack position?

Players sitting in this position can hijack the blinds before anyone else does.

What is under the Gun in poker?

UTG or Under the Gun is a position immediately to the left of the Big Blind.

What does Blinds mean in poker?

Blinds are forced bets put out by the players sitting to the left of the dealer called the Small Blind, followed by the Big Blind. 

What does Cut-off mean in poker?

The player sitting immediately right to the dealer is called the Cut-off.

What is the role of the dealer button in poker?

Dealer Button distributes the cards and places community cards in each round. The button also helps in determining the small and Big Blinds.

What are early and late positions in poker?

Small blinds, Big Blinds, and UTGs are called early positions, as they are the first ones to act. Cut-off and Hijack are called late positions, as they are the last ones to act.

Conclusion

It is crucial to know your position when sitting at a poker table. The position you play gives you a competitive edge over opponents. Invest some time, read and understand each position thoroughly and strategise your game accordingly.