On a poker table, what is the most important factor which gives you an edge over your opponents other than your skill set and strength of your hand?
– Information.
This is not a secret anymore that you can take better decisions on the game table if you get the opportunity to observe the opponent’s game-play(betting pattern, bet size) and determine their hand strength.
That’s what position do! If you are in position, you can gather information about opponent’s hand by seeing all the betting action (bet, raise, re-raise) before your turn and utilize this knowledge in choosing the best move (bet, raise, or fold the cards).
What is Position?
Position in Texas Hold’em Poker is the order in which players sit around the game table. It is so significant aspect of the game that it can completely change the outcome of the game, regardless of the quality of the hand. “Play your position” – this simple yet crucial strategy is also considered as the most neglected playing strategy.
The dealer (player who distributes the cards) position changes clockwise after every hand on the table. Dealer button decides that which player is going to act at which position in the betting round. The player at the button acts after everyone in all betting rounds after the flop. Cut-off is the player seating right to the dealer. Playing in position refers to the player who is the last one to act in a betting round.
Early position (EP)
Players left to the button are the one who starts the action in all betting rounds (flop, turn, or river). The player sitting immediate left to the big blind is called as under the gun (UTG) and next to him is UTG+1. This position is considered the worst position to play in most situations as the players have to act before every other player on a betting round. Without any knowledge of opponents’ game-play, the player in this position have to decide whether to continue or fold his cards. As you have less information about others when you are on EP, you can play with premium hands only. Playing with weaker hands can put you into big trouble once the betting ensues.
Middle position (MP)
Left to the early position players is the middle position. Players on this position act after early position players. The benefit of playing at this position is the player can make an educated decision about his game-play after seeing the action of EP players. The disadvantage is there are still late position players going to make a bet after you, so you need to decide whether to play loose or tight. MP players will become the first to act if EP players fold at their turn. If LP players fold, they will become the last to act in the round.
Late position (LP)
The most advantageous position on the table is the late position (on the button). Players on this position act after EP and MP in a betting round. They have the opportunity to observe other players to have information about the strength of their hands and decide next move accordingly. It is easier to identify the weaker players on the table when you play in this position. As you have the edge in the game, you can play with any suited or connected pairs easily.
Despite knowing the importance of seating position on the Texas Hold’em poker table, novice players often forget to take this great opportunity of getting valuable information into account. They play their cards and attempt to make a bluff out of position with little-to-no information about opponents’ hard strength and betting strategy, which ultimately results in loss of their precious chips.
If you want to become a successful poker player, always pay attention to your position on the table.