The Power of Position
8 min read
If you only learn one concept in poker, make it position. Acting last gives you information your opponents don't have — and information is money.
What Is Position?
Position refers to where you sit relative to the dealer button. The later you act in a betting round, the better your position. The best seat is the Button (BTN) — you act last on every post-flop street.
Position Map (9-handed)
Early Position
UTG, UTG+1, UTG+2
Play tight: top 10-15% of hands
Middle Position
MP, LJ, HJ
Widen slightly: top 15-25%
Late Position
CO, BTN, SB
Exploit: top 25-45%
Why Position Wins Money
1.
Information advantage. When you act last, you see what everyone else does before making your decision. Did they check? Bet small? Overbet? Each action narrows their range.
2.
Pot control. In position, you choose the size of the pot. You can check back for a free card when you're drawing, or bet when you have value.
3.
Bluff efficiency. Bluffs from position are cheaper and more credible. A check from your opponent is an invitation to take the pot.
Practical Tips
- •Open wider on the Button and Cutoff. These are your moneymaker seats.
- •Play tighter in the blinds. You're out of position for the entire hand.
- •When in doubt, fold from early position. Wait for a better seat.
- •3-bet more in position. You'll play a bigger pot with a bigger edge.
“Give me position and I'll beat anyone in the world with any two cards.”
— Sentiment shared by every winning pro