In poker, position refers to where a player is seated in relation to the dealer button. The dealer button is a small disk that moves clockwise around the table after each hand, indicating who the dealer is for that particular hand.
Each position at the poker table offers advantages and disadvantages that affect how you should play your hands. Understanding the different poker positions and how to play in each position is key to becoming a successful poker player.
The Poker Positions
There are generally three categories of poker positions at the poker table: early position, middle position, and late position.
➤ Early Position
The players in the first few seats to the left of the dealer button are in the early position. They are the first players to act, and as such, they have the least amount of information about their opponents’ hands. The early poker table position players include:
- Under the Gun (UTG) – This is the first player to the left of the big blind. They are in the worst position at the table since they are the first to act, and they have no information about the other players’ hands.
- UTG+1 – This is the player to the left of the UTG player. They have slightly more information than the UTG player, but they are still in an early position.
- UTG+2 – This is the player to the left of the UTG+1 player. They have a bit more information than the UTG+1 player, but they are still in an early position.
➤ Middle Position
The players in the middle of the table are in the middle position. They have more information about the players in early position but less information about the players in late position. The middle poker table position players include:
- The Hijack – This is the player to the right of the UTG+2 player.
- The Cutoff – This is the player to the right of the hijack and to the right of the dealer button.
➤ Late Position
The players in the last few seats to the right of the dealer button are in the late position. They have the most information about the other players’ hands, and they can use that information to make better decisions. The late poker table position players include:
- The Button – This is the player who is dealing for that particular hand. They have the most. information about the other players’ hands since they are the last to act.
- The Small Blind – This is the player to the left of the dealer button. They are required to make a small bet before the hand starts.
- The Big Blind – This is the player to the left of the small blind. They are required to make a larger bet before the hand starts.
How to Play in Each Poker Table Position?
Now that we’ve gone over the different poker positions at the poker table games, let’s talk about how to play in each position.
➤ Early Position
Since the early Poker table position players have the least amount of information about their opponents’ hands, they should be more conservative in their play. They should only play strong hands and should generally avoid bluffing. The UTG player, in particular, should be very careful since they are the first to act.
➤ Middle Position
The middle Poker table position players have more information than the early position players but less information than the late position players. They can play a wider range of hands than the early position players, but they should still be cautious. They can occasionally bluff but should do so selectively.
➤ Late Position
The late Poker table position players have the most information about their opponents’ hands, and they can use that information to their advantage. They can play a wider range of hands than the early and middle position players, and they can bluff more frequently since they have a better understanding of their opponents’ tendencies. They should still be cautious, though, since the blinds are still to act.
➤ The Button
The player on the button has the most information about their opponents’ hands since they are the last to act. They can play a wide range of hands and can bluff frequently. They should also be looking for opportunities to steal the blinds since they are in the best position to do so.
➤ The Small Blind
The small blind is in a difficult position since they are required to make a bet before the hand starts, and they are the second to act after the flop. They should be cautious and should only play strong hands. They should also be looking for opportunities to steal the pot, but they should be careful since the big blind is still to act.
➤ The Big Blind
The big blind is required to make a larger bet before the hand starts, and they are the last to act before the flop. They can play a wider range of hands than the small blind and can occasionally defend their blind with a weaker hand. They should also be looking for opportunities to steal the pot.
Using Position to Your Advantage
Understanding the different poker positions at the poker table of online casinos and how to play poker games in each position is key to becoming a successful poker player. By using your position to your advantage, you can make better decisions and win more pots. Here are some tips for using position to your advantage:
- Play Tight in Early Position – Since you have the least amount of information about your opponents’ hands, you should only play strong hands in the early position.
- Play a Wider Range of Hands in Late Position – Since you have the most information about your opponents’ hands, you can play a wider range of hands in the late position.
- Steal the Blinds – Look for opportunities to steal the blinds when you are in a late position.
- Be Cautious in the Blinds – The blinds are a difficult position to play since you are required to make a bet before the hand starts. Thus, play strong hands only.
- Observe Your Opponents – Pay attention to how your opponents play in each position. Use such details and make decisions wisely.
Conclusion
Understanding the different poker positions in online poker games and how to play in each position is key to becoming a successful poker player. By using your position to your advantage, you can make better decisions and win more pots. Remember to play tight in the early position, play a wider range of hands in a late position, and steal the blinds when you can. When you play for real money, be cautious in the blinds, and observe your opponents. Enjoy while you play casino games. And, good luck at the tables!
