Poker Positions Explained: Why Position in Poker is Key

Last updated: 2 October 2024

8 min

Understanding poker positions is key to mastering the game. Your seat at the table influences every decision, from betting strategies to reading opponents. In this guide, we’ll explain what are the different poker positions and how they impact your play across formats like 9-max, 6-max, and full-ring.

You’ll learn how to adjust your strategy based on your position, when to play aggressively, and when to stay cautious. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge needed to make smarter, more profitable decisions at the table.

The Poker Table Layout

Table positions refer to where you sit in relation to the dealer (or "Button") in poker. The closer you are to the Button, the later you act, which gives you more information about what other players are doing—this is usually an advantage.

Visual Overview: Poker Table Positions

Imagine a poker table as a clock. Your seat is one of several key positions that determine how you’ll approach a hand. The most important positions are:

Under the Gun (UTG)
Middle Position (MP)
Cutoff (CO)
Button (BTN)
Small Blind (SB)
Big Blind (BB)

Seat-by-Seat Breakdown

Under the Gun (UTG)

Position: First to act after the Big Blind.
Found In: Full-ring (9 or 10 players) and 6-Max games.
Description: This position is considered early because you're the first to act before the flop, with no information on how other players will play.

Middle Position (MP)

Position: Just after early positions like UTG.
Found In: Full-ring and 6-Max games.
Description: You're seated in the middle of the table, meaning you act after the early positions but before the later ones.

Lojack (LJ) - Only in full-ring games (9 or 10 players)

Position: One seat to the right of Middle Position, between MP and the Hijack.
Found In: Only in full-ring games.
Description: Often disappears in 6-Max games, as there are fewer players, and the need for distinct positions reduces.

Hijack (HJ) - Only in full-ring games (9 or 10 players)

Position: One seat to the right of the Lojack, just before the Cutoff.
Found In: Full-ring games, and sometimes in 6-Max games.
Description: In full-ring games, this is a late position, sitting just before the Cutoff.

Cutoff (CO)

Position: One seat to the right of the Button.
Found In: Full-ring and 6-Max games.
Description: This is the second-to-last position, just before the Button, giving you a positional advantage over many players.

Button (BTN)

Position: The dealer position, and the last seat to act in most hands.
Found In: All poker games.
Description: The Button is the best position at the table, acting last in every betting round post-flop.

Small Blind (SB)

Position: Directly to the left of the Button.
Found In: All poker games.
Description: Acts last pre-flop but first post-flop in every betting round

Big Blind (BB)

Position: Directly to the left of the Small Blind.
Found In: All poker games.
Description: Like the Small Blind, you're forced to bet (the Big Blind) but act last pre-flop and first post-flop.

More Players = More Positions

In a full table (usually 9 or 10 players), there are more positions to be aware of. Here’s the basic flow:

Early Positions: These are seats that act first (like Under the Gun, UTG). Acting early means you have to play more carefully because you don't know what other players will do.
Middle Positions: Players in these seats (like the Lojack and Hijack) get a bit more information since some players have already acted, but they’re not as powerful as late positions.
Late Positions: The Cutoff and Button are considered the best seats because you get to see what most players do before making your move. You can be more aggressive here.

Fewer Players = Fewer Positions

When there are fewer players (like in 6-max or heads up poker), early positions (like UTG) disappear. Everyone moves "closer" to the Button, and the importance of position becomes even greater. Here's how it works:

6-max Table: With only 6 players, you won’t have early positions like UTG. The game focuses more on middle and late positions, so you’ll need to play more hands and can be more aggressive.
Heads-up (1v1): There are no early or middle positions at all. The Button alternates each hand, and the game is more about constantly adapting to your opponent.

Positional Strategy in Poker

In poker, your seat at the table—your poker position strategy—is just as important as the cards you’re dealt. The closer you are to the best position in poker, the Button, the more control you have over how the hand plays out. Let’s break down why position matters and how you can adjust your strategy based on where you're seated.

Why Position Matters: Early, Middle, and Late Positions

Where you sit at the table influences how much information you have during a hand. This knowledge is key to making good decisions, whether it’s folding, betting, or bluffing. Keep in mind that blinds act last pre flop, but then act first in all other betting rounds post flop.

Pre Flop Positions

Position	Player	Description
Early Position (EP)	UTG, UTG +1	You act first. This puts you at a disadvantage because you don't know how others will play. You'll want to play tight (only strong hands) from here since you don't have much information.
Middle Position (MP)	MP, MP+1, Lojack	You get a little more insight into what players in early positions are doing before you act. You can loosen up slightly, but you still need to be cautious.
Late Position (LP)	Hijack, Cuttoff, Button, Big Blind, Small Blind	You act last, especially from the Cutoff or Button. These positions are the most powerful because you get to see how everyone else plays before making your move. You can play more hands and even bluff more often, as you have the most information available.

* Post-flop blinds are forced to act first, so your strategy should adjust to defend strongly.

Best Position in Poker: The Button

The Button (BTN) is widely regarded as the best position in poker. Why? Because when you’re on the Button, you act last in every betting round (except the blinds pre-flop), giving you the most information before making your decisions.

Advantages of the Button:
- You can play a wider range of hands because you have more control over the pot.
- You can bluff more effectively, as you’ll have a better idea of your opponents’ strength based on their actions.
- You get to react to everyone else, which makes your decision-making easier.

When you're on the Button, you're in a prime spot to dictate the flow of the hand and extract maximum value from your opponents.

Strategic Play For Early Positions and Late Positions

Play Tight from Early Positions, Loose from Late Positions

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

Tight from Early Positions: In early positions like Under the Gun (UTG), you need to play strong, premium hands. Since you’re first to act, you want to avoid getting caught with a weak hand when several players are still left to act.
Loose from Late Positions: From the Button or Cutoff, you can afford to play looser and more hands. Because you’re acting last, you have the advantage of reacting to other players, making it easier to bet, bluff, or fold strategically.

Strategic Play For The Blinds

The Small Blind (SB) and Big Blind (BB) are tricky positions to navigate. You’re forced to put money into the pot before even seeing your cards, and you’ll be acting first after the flop. This makes it harder to play, but there are strategies to mitigate this disadvantage.

Small Blind Strategy: You’re already invested in the pot, but you’re at a major positional disadvantage. Play cautiously, and defend with strong hands. Be selective, especially if the pot gets raised.
Big Blind Strategy: You’re also forced to contribute to the pot, but you get to act last pre-flop. Defending your Big Blind with a wider range of hands is more common, especially if players try to steal the pot from late positions. Post-flop, though, you’ll need to adjust your play carefully since you’ll be first to act for the rest of the hand.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Positions

Understanding how each position at the poker table affects your decisions pre-flop and post-flop is critical to becoming a more successful player. Here, we’ll break down each key position and provide clear strategies for both stages of the hand.

Under the Gun (UTG): First to Act, First to Think

When you're Under the Gun (UTG), you're in the toughest position at the table—first to act pre-flop, with no idea what other players are holding. This seat puts you at a disadvantage because everyone else gets to react to your move.

Pre-Flop Strategy: Play tight. Stick to strong hands like pocket pairs (Aces through Jacks), Ace-King, and strong suited connectors (Ace-Queen suited). Since you’re first to act, avoid speculative or weak hands. Opening too loose can get you into tricky spots when players behind you raise or call.
Post-Flop Strategy: You’ll often be out of position post-flop, which means you need to proceed cautiously. After the flop, act carefully if you haven’t connected well with the board. If multiple players remain in the hand, playing defensively and folding weaker hands is often the best course of action.

Hijack (HJ): Sneak Attacks from a Strong Position

The Hijack (HJ) is two spots to the right of the Button and marks the start of late position. It’s a valuable spot because you have fewer players to act after you, giving you more flexibility.

Pre-Flop Strategy: Use this position to open up your hand range. Raise with semi-strong hands like medium pairs (77, 88) and suited connectors (6-7 suited). You’re in a good spot to steal blinds from tighter players in early positions.
Post-Flop Strategy: Since you’re in a late position, you can take advantage of your opponents' actions. If they check or show weakness, you can bet aggressively or bluff. Use the Hijack to capitalize on weak hands from players in earlier positions.

Cutoff (CO): Pre-flop Stealing & Applying Pressure

The Cutoff (CO) is one seat to the right of the Button, making it one of the most powerful positions in the game. You have a positional edge on most players at the table.

Pre-Flop Strategy: Start loosening your hand range and look for opportunities to steal blinds. Raise more hands than usual, particularly targeting weak players in the Blinds. Play hands like suited connectors (8-9 suited) or broadway cards (K-Q, Q-J) aggressively.
Post-Flop Strategy: If you’ve opened the pot and find yourself in a good spot post-flop, continue the pressure. If the Button or Blinds are showing weakness, you can control the pot or take it down with a bluff. The Cutoff lets you dictate the action, forcing opponents into tough decisions.

Button (BTN): Maximizing Profit from the Best Seat

The Button (BTN) is the most powerful position at the table. Acting last in every betting round (except pre-flop in the blinds) gives you significant leverage to make the best decisions.

Pre-Flop Strategy: You can afford to play a wide range of hands from the Button, including weaker hands like suited connectors or even weaker pairs. Use the information from earlier players’ actions to decide whether to raise or call.
Post-Flop Strategy: The Button shines post-flop because you act last in every betting round. This lets you gauge everyone else’s actions before deciding whether to bet, raise, or fold. You can bluff more often and extract maximum value from strong hands by inflating the pot when you’re ahead.

Small Blind (SB) & Big Blind (BB): Defending the Blinds Effectively

The Small Blind (SB) and Big Blind (BB) positions are unique because you’re forced to put money in the pot before seeing your hand. This creates a built-in disadvantage, but each has distinct pre-flop and post-flop considerations.

Small Blind (SB) Pre-Flop Strategy: Play tight and be defensive pre-flop. Since you’re out of position for the rest of the hand, only call or raise with strong hands like premium pairs (AA, KK), strong broadway cards (AK, AQ), or suited aces. Be cautious about calling raises with weaker hands.
Small Blind Post-Flop Strategy: You’re first to act post-flop, so play conservatively. If you’ve hit the board, proceed aggressively; otherwise, don’t hesitate to fold if the board doesn’t favor your hand.
Big Blind (BB) Pre-Flop Strategy: You’ve already invested in the pot, which gives you some incentive to defend your blind more often. If players in late position are attempting to steal the pot, consider calling with a wider range of hands, especially against players on the Button or Cutoff.
Big Blind Post-Flop Strategy: Post-flop, you’ll need to tread carefully, as you’ll be first to act in each betting round. If you connect with the flop, you can play aggressively. If not, consider folding to avoid being out of position in the rest of the hand.

Poker Position Strategy Cheat Sheet

Here’s a quick-reference cheat sheet summarising the key strategies for each position at the poker table based on the detailed breakdown.

Early Positions (UTG, UTG+1, UTG+2)

Pre-Flop:
- Stick to premium hands (AA, AK, QQ). You’re acting first, so play tight.
Post-Flop:
- Continue playing cautiously. Bet only if the board favors your hand. Be ready to fold if later positions show aggression.

Middle Positions (MP, Lojack)

Pre-Flop:
- Loosen your range slightly. Play mid-range pairs and suited connectors (77+, 9-10 suited).
Post-Flop:
- Act carefully and react based on early-position players. Play strong hands, but avoid big bluffs as later positions can still act.

Late Positions (Hijack, Cutoff, Button)

Pre-Flop:
- Hijack & Cutoff: Expand your range, raising with suited connectors and broadway cards.
- Button: Play a wide range of hands, including weaker ones, as you have maximum control.
Post-Flop:
- Hijack & Cutoff: Use your position to pressure opponents, particularly those who check.
- Button: Maximize your advantage by betting more often, controlling the pot, and bluffing when opponents show weakness.

Positional Adjustments for Different Poker Variants

The number of players at the table changes how you play poker and how you should approach each position. Let’s break down the differences between 9-handed (full-ring), 6-max, and other poker variants, and how you can adjust your strategy accordingly.

9-Handed (Full-Ring) Poker

In full-ring poker (typically 9 or 10 players), all traditional positions are in play:

Early Positions: Under the Gun (UTG), UTG+1
Middle Positions: Middle Position (MP1, MP2), Lojack (LJ)
Late Positions: Hijack (HJ), Cutoff (CO), Button (BTN)
Blinds: Small Blind (SB), Big Blind (BB)

Strategy Tips:

Play Tight in Early Positions: Stick to premium hands like big pairs or AK, since there are more players who could act after you.
Loosen Up in Late Positions: Use your position in the Hijack, Cutoff, and Button to steal blinds or raise with a wider range of hands.

6-Max Poker

In 6-max games (6 players), positions are condensed, and early positions like UTG+1 and some middle positions disappear. The main positions are:

Early Position: Under the Gun (UTG)
Middle Position: Hijack (HJ)
Late Position: Cutoff (CO), Button (BTN)
Blinds: Small Blind (SB), Big Blind (BB)

Strategy Changes for 6-Max:

Play More Hands: With fewer players, you’ll need to widen your range, especially in early positions like UTG.
Increased Aggression in Late Position: In 6-max, late positions are even more valuable since there are fewer players to act after you, allowing for more aggressive play.

Short-Deck Poker and Other Variants

In Short-Deck Poker (a variant where all cards below 6 are removed), the structure of the game changes, and so does the value of positions.

Fewer Cards = More Action: Short-deck poker is more aggressive overall, so positional advantages still matter, but players will tend to play a wider range of hands.
Positions Condense: With fewer players or fewer cards, early positions like UTG lose some of their traditional disadvantage, and players will play more hands from those spots.

Advanced Positional Play: Tips From The Experts

Mastering poker positions and ranges is key to exploiting your position and adapting to opponents' strategies. Let’s break down how to adjust your approach to maximise positional advantage.

Adjusting Your Opening Range Based on Position

Your opening range—the hands you’re willing to raise or call with—varies depending on your seat at the table. In early positions, like UTG, play a tight range with strong hands (e.g., premium pairs, AK).

As you move to middle positions, slightly loosen your range to include hands like suited connectors and medium pairs. In late positions, like the Cutoff and Button, widen your range even further, raising with weaker hands and capitalising on your positional advantage.

Using Position to Bluff and Control Pot Size

Late positions give you more opportunities to bluff effectively. Acting last lets you gauge your opponents' actions before making your move. If they check or bet weakly, you can bluff or raise to represent a stronger hand. Likewise, position allows you to control the pot size. From late positions, you can choose to keep the pot small with marginal hands or inflate it when you’re ahead.

Adapting to Opponents' Positional Play

Your opponents' position also influences their actions. Pay close attention to their opening ranges from different positions. For example, if someone opens from early position, they’re likely holding a strong hand. Conversely, a raise from the Button might indicate a wider, weaker range. Adjust your play accordingly by tightening up against early-position raises or re-raising late-position openers who may be stealing blinds.

Leveraging Position to Force Opponents into Tough Spots

You can use your position to put pressure on opponents and force them into difficult decisions. In late positions, especially on the Button, take advantage of hesitant players by betting or raising aggressively. You can also trap overly aggressive players by letting them bet into you when you have position.

This ability to leverage position makes it harder for your opponents to play their hands effectively, often leading them to make mistakes.

By adjusting your poker positions ranges, knowing when to bluff, and adapting to opponents’ positional tendencies, you’ll gain a significant edge at the table, pushing your opponents into difficult spots and increasing your overall profitability.

Positional Strategy in Online Poker Vs In Person

	Online Poker	In-Person Poker
Speed of Play	Faster pace, more hands per hour, requiring quicker positional decisions.	Slower pace, more time to observe and adjust to table dynamics.
Information & Reads	Rely on betting patterns, timing, and automated tracking for reads.	Rely on physical tells, body language, and bet sizing for reads.
Bluffing	More frequent bluffing due to anonymity and lack of physical tells.	Bluffing is less frequent as opponents can observe physical behaviour.
Player Pool Size	Larger, anonymous pool, harder to develop consistent reads on opponents.	Smaller, familiar player pool, easier to track regulars and build personal reads.

Conclusion

Understanding the best positions in poker is key to long-term success. Positional awareness lets you make informed decisions, exploit weak players, and control the game flow. Whether playing 6-Max or full-ring, always adjust your poker strategy based on table dynamics. Practice tight play in early positions and aggressive play in late positions like the Button.

By refining your positioning strategy, you’ll gain a significant edge over your opponents and elevate your game to the next level. Keep improving, stay adaptable, and use your position to maximise your poker winnings.

FAQ

What is the best seat at the poker table?

The Button (BTN) is the best seat because you act last in every betting round, allowing you to make decisions with the most information.

How does position impact your chances of winning?

Position affects your chances by giving you more information when acting later, allowing for better decisions and more aggression in late positions like the Cutoff and Button.

Why is the Button considered the most advantageous?

The Button lets you act last, giving you the advantage of seeing how everyone else plays, allowing for more control and profitable decisions.

How can you improve your play from early position?

In early positions, play tight with strong hands like high pairs or AK, minimising risk due to limited information about other players' actions.

What should you do in middle position?

In middle positions, open up your hand range slightly but avoid weak hands. Play hands like medium pairs or suited connectors for more flexibility.

How do you defend your blinds effectively?

From the Small Blind, play tight with strong hands. In the Big Blind, defend with a wider range, especially against late-position raises.

How should you adjust your play for 6-Max games?

In 6-Max, play more hands overall and be more aggressive in late positions because there are fewer players and blinds come around faster.

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Emily Turner Content Writer

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Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.