In poker, the variant you choose to play and the cards you are dealt are not the only factors that can impact your gameplay. Where you sit at the table can influence your overall performance.
Poker positions determine when you’ll act, how much information you’ll act with, and your hand-selection range. Therefore, it is a crucial aspect of the game that cannot be overemphasized.
This casino guide highlights all poker positions, explaining their strategic importance and the associated pros and cons.
Poker Positions: Why Position Matters in Poker
Poker table positions are based on proximity to the dealer button. It provides structure to gameplay, which is designed to progress in a clockwise direction. Learn more using our poker guide for beginners.
There are nine possible positions in poker, but they can be shifted according to the number of participants. Typically, there are either 6 or 9 positions. Where you sit sets the tone for how and when you can play your cards. Download our printable poker cheat sheet with position strategy.
Positions From Early to Late
As mentioned earlier, poker positions are categorized according to their distance from the dealer button and the blinds. From early to late, poker position names are:
Blinds
The blinds are the forced bets made before the cards are dealt (i.e., before the preflop betting round). The player in this position acts early post-flop, and there are two forms of blinds.
Small Blind (SB): The player sitting just to the left of the dealer button, whose wager is half the big blind, and acts second-to-last preflop but first in every post-flop betting round.
Big Blind (BB): The player next to the small blind who places the full forced bet. They act last pre-flop but early (after the small blind) post-flop.
Early Positions (EP)
Early poker seat positions always act first after the blinds have placed their mandatory wagers. They include:
Under the Gun (UTG): Situated to the left of the big blind, UTG is the first to take action pre-flop and third to act post-flop (after the blinds). It is not a favorable poker position, as you have to make instant decisions with little to no information.
UTG+1 and UTG+2: These seats follow UTG in the order of action. They are slightly better than UTG but still early and high-risk. UTG 2 can be excluded when there are fewer players.
Middle Positions (MP):
These poker positions strike a balance between risk and advantage, as they don’t make decisions early or late. A visual poker hands chart would be useful here.
Lojack (LJ): Acting after UTG+2 is LJ, a middle position without full information. It is early enough to still require tight, premium hands, but with an aggressive play (i.e., you bet and raise rather than check or call).
Hijack (HJ): Just two seats right of the button is the HJ, a middle spot where you can “steal” the blinds with strong but not premium hands. It is an advantageous position that offers the first opportunity for frequent aggression, allowing wider hand ranges.
Late Positions (LP)
LPs are the best poker positions every smart player seeks. They are the sweet spots where you have access to information about opponents’ moves before acting.
Cutoff (CO): Located immediately to the right of the dealer button is the cutoff point, also known as the CO. At this position, you’ve seen other players’ moves (except the button’s), giving you substantial opportunities to steal the blind and control the pot.
Button (BTN): Crowned the king of poker positions, the button acts last every round post-flop. You have maximum information. Therefore, you can choose to play aggressively or bluff. However, it is crucial to know when and how to bluff based on position.
Know Your Stuff!
Poker positions don’t just affect when you act; they also impact how you should play every hand. You don’t want to play weak hands in an early position or ignore opportunities for aggressive play in a late position. Each seat has its strengths and weaknesses.
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FAQs
What are the positions in poker?
Poker positions refer to players’ seats relative to the dealer button, determining when you act (and how you should).
What does in position mean in poker?
Being in a position means acting after opponents in a betting round, giving you more information to make profitable decisions.
What does out of position mean in poker?
Being out of position means acting before your opponents, forcing you to decide without knowing their move first, and placing you in tougher spots.
What is the hijack position in poker?
The hijack is a balanced poker position situated two seats to the right of the dealer button. If you are seated here, you can steal blinds with moderately strong hands.